Alabama National Guard members deploying to Wisconsin
Alabama National Guard members deploying to Wisconsin to maintain peace
Updated Aug 28, 6:02 PM; Posted Aug 28, 4:02 PM
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Protesters observe a moment of silence while marching Wednesday night, Aug. 26, 2020, in Kenosha, Wis., near the scene of a fatal shooting Tuesday night. A white, 17-year-old police admirer was arrested Wednesday after two people were shot to death Tuesday during a third straight night of protests in Kenosha over the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. (AP Photo/David Goldman)AP
By Mike Cason | mcason@al.com
The Alabama National Guard has deployed about 350 military police officers from several units to Wisconsin to help respond to the civil unrest and violence there in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake last Sunday.
Gov. Kay Ivey’s press secretary had announced on Wednesday that the governor authorized up to 350 National Guard members for that purpose if needed. Some protests in Kenosha, Wisc., have led to violence.
Today, Alabama National Guard Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jacqueline Whitt said National Guard members from the state are going to Wisconsin but said the Guard would not disclose the names of the units or departure times because of operational security.
“At the request of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, National Guard members from Michigan, Alabama and Arizona, will assist Wisconsin in support of protecting life, property and the right to peacefully assemble,” Whitt said in a statement.
“These National Guard professionals will operate under State Active Duty status through emergency management assistance agreements with Wisconsin, remain under their respective governor’s control, and will adhere to Wisconsin state law.
“The National Guard is proud to assist local and state partners in Wisconsin to ensure our fellow citizens’ right to safety and maintaining order.”
WAFF reported that members of the Huntsville National Guard unit boarded a plane bound for Wisconsin this afternoon.
Authorities have charged a 17-year-old gunman for fatally shooting two protesters and wounding a third in Kenosha.
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