Mayor, Police Chief issue statements; Three arrested at Kenosha protest sit-in released on bond

A protest calling for the firing of the Kenosha police officer who shot Jacob Blake led to the arrest of three protesters Sunday, including Blake’s uncle.

The protesters held a sit-in outside the Kenosha Public Safety building Sunday evening, demanding that police department leadership meet with them to address their demands. At about 10 p.m., three protesters, including Blake’s uncle Justin Blake, Pastor Jonathan Barker and Joseph Cardinali, were arrested for disorderly conduct. Blake had an additional recommended charge of obstructing law enforcement because he refused to identify himself.

All three were later released on bond and are expected to return for an initial court appearance in May. All three men arrested have been active in social justice issues, including as members of the Wisconsin 7 who recently took part in a 22-day fast to support climate change legislation.

The rally Sunday began at 3 p.m. at Regimen Barber Collective, 1345 52nd St. before protesters marched to the Public Safety Building, 1000 55th St., blocking the main entrance in peaceful protest. The Public Safety Building, still boarded over from the civil unrest which rocked the city after the Blake shooting, was also the backdrop of speakers who called for their demands to be heard.

Read more: https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-updated-mayor-police-chief-issue-statements-three-arrested-at-kenosha-protest-sit-in/article_f931d97e-0b98-524d-a717-37ee4d1097bb.html