US: Two killed in protest-related overnight shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin August 25 /update 3

Event

Kenosha, Wisconsin, police announced on Wednesday, August 26, that two people were killed and at least one other was injured after shots were fired into a crowd of protesters overnight. The identity of the shooter was not immediately clear and the FBI are investigating the incident, which occurred shortly before midnight (local time). Earlier in the evening, riot police had deployed tear gas and rubber bullets in efforts to disperse the crowds in the vicinity of the Kenosha County Courthouse. Amid the escalation of the unrest, Governor Tony Evers has granted a request for additional National Guard troops to be deployed in various areas of the city. 

A heightened security presence is to be expected in Kenosha over the near term, with associated disruption to transportation likely.

Context

Jacob Blake, an African American, was reportedly shot several times by police officers while they were responding to an alleged domestic incident in Kenosha. A video posted online reportedly shows Jacob being shot in the back as he tried to get into his car. Blake was reportedly paralyzed from the waist down. The shooting comes amid heightened tensions in the US over police brutality following the killing of African American man George Floyd in May.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, allow additional travel time in city centers, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.