The family of Jacob Blake held a press conference and marched Monday evening ahead of a decision on whether charges will be filed against a Kenosha police officer.
A decision from the Kenosha County District Attorney is expected on whether Kenosha Police Officer Rusten Sheskey will face charges in the Aug. 23 shooting of Blake.
Blake, 29, was shot seven times in the back while attempting to enter his vehicle near 40th and 28th streets. Officers had responded to the scene prior to the shooting on a "domestic incident."
The Wisconsin Department of Justice said Blake had later admitted to having a knife in his vehicle, but it was unclear if he was reaching it when he was attempting to enter his vehicle.
Sheskey, and several other officers, were placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
"We ready for change,” marchers said as they took the streets.
A change in temperature since this summer's marching began. But while marching conditions are much cooler in January, one thing remains the same: the passion of each marcher, pushing for justice for Jacob Blake.
“We have to make some noise and be heard. We can't sit around anymore,” said Jacob Blake Sr., Blake’s father.
The Blake family says they’re too in the dark about the decision Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley plans to announce regarding Sheskey.
Blake Sr. said he is clear about his desire to see an attempted murder charge for the officer who is accused of shooting Blake seven times during a domestic-related call on Aug 23.
“He tried to kill my son. He didn’t try to take my son down, he tried to kill my son and could’ve killed my grandchildren,” Blake Sr. said.
Jacob Blake himself continues recovering, as he also awaits a decision. His family says he’s in good spirits.
“He’s our new hero. The way he’s taking his mental approach. If anybody can walk again one day, it would be him. If his body catches up to his mind, not only would be able to walk again, he will run again,” said Justin Blake, Jacob’s uncle.
Blake's family, and other Kenosha community leaders, held a press conference Monday afternoon at the Collective in Kenosha. The group called for charges against Sheskey.
“We want justice and healing for Jacob Blake, the Blake family, and our Kenosha community,” said Tanya McLean, Executive Director of Leaders of Kenosha (LOK). “Officer Sheskey fired seven shots into an unarmed man’s back, on a block where our children walk to school and our families go to church. All of us, Black, white, brown, native and newcomer, deserve to be safe in our own neighborhoods, and that means holding police officers accountable when they brutalize us.”
