KENOSHA — People in Kenosha expressed mixed feelings ahead of President Donald Trump's visit Tuesday.
"I feel it's really, really broken down along political lines, the way people feel," said Michael Barnes.
In a letter to the President, Gov. Tony Evers suggested the President hold off on his trip. Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian and Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser say the President's trip is too soon, and the city needs to heal.
Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth said the President's visit doesn't make it any easier on law enforcement after an already tough week.
"Does anyone of that stature create more work for us? It does," Beth said.
In response, President Trump tweeted Monday morning, "If I didn’t INSIST on having the National Guard activate and go into Kenosha, Wisconsin, there would be no Kenosha right now. Also, there would have been great death and injury. I want to thank Law Enforcement and the National Guard. I will see you on Tuesday!"
A spokesperson for the White House said on Sunday the President was looking forward to his trip.
People like Michael Barnes say they think the President is making the right call.
"I just think it makes sense because he’s the President, and he should know what’s going on, and its a big situation," Barnes said.
Barnes said he hopes the President can make time to talk with the family of Jacob Blake while also speaking to people whose businesses were destroyed.
Officials said Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis was working out plans with the Secret Service on Monday. Sheriff Beth said his department is working with about 40 agencies, and law enforcement would work hard to make sure President Trump and the city stay safe.
Some people in Kenosha say they are still worried. Amanda Feltner wants her city to get back to normal as soon as possible, and she said she believes the President's appearance will set them back.
"It seems like it's just now starting to calm down, we gotten the outsiders that came in, I feel like its going to draw more attention, and they’re going to try to figure out a way to come back," Feltner said. "And so who knows, we’ll probably be on lockdown for a another week."
