A Kenosha police officer put a bullet hole in Jacob Blake’s back for everyday of the week and will not face charges. The cities District Attorney Michael Gravely has refused to indict the officer (Rusten Sheskey) who shot Jacob Blake from behind seven times saying “I do not believe the state would be able to prove that the privilege of self defense is not available.”
Attorneys for the Blake family spoke out calling the absence of charges “immensely” disappointing and unfortunate for all of the peaceful protestors who allowed due process to take place only to witness another miscarriage of justice.
“We feel this decision failed not only Jacob and his family, but the community that protested and demanded justice. Attorney Ben Crump went on to say Officer Sheskey’s actions sparked outrage and advocacy throughout the country, but the district attorney’s decision not to charge the officer who shot Jacob in the back multiple times leaving him paralyzed, further destroys the trust in our justice system. This sends the wrong message to police officers throughout the country. It says it is OK for the police to abuse their power and recklessly shoot their weapon, destroying the life of someone who was trying to protect his children.
Attorney Crump also detailed their intentions to push forward by pursuing legal recourse in the form of a civil lawsuit.
“This is not the news we were hoping for, but our work is not done and hope is not lost, It is now our duty to broaden the fight for justice on behalf of Jacob and the countless other Black men and women who are victims of racial injustice and police brutality in this country. We will continue to press forward with a civil lawsuit and fight for systemic change in policing and transparency at all levels. We urge Americans to continue to raise their voices and demand change in peaceful and positive ways during this emotional time.”
Gravely argued that his decision was “laser focused” on what would have been permissible to a jury saying “It means that this case is all about self defense and can it be proven that it doesn’t exist. It’s about the perspective of Officer Sheskey.”
According to Kenosha PD, Sheskey is still gainfully employed via administrative leave while Mr. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down.
Once the news @ CNN broke regarding Kenosha’s decision to reject charges a wide range of reactions began to disburse across social media that spanned from exasperation to grief and celebrities were apart of those downcast and dismayed. Many public figures sounded off about the perceived refusal to acknowledge Black Americans as humans with rights and not carnage in the legal system. Did Kenosha make a “Gravely” mistake? Can it be fixed at the polls?
BY: BEWITTY Staff
[…] the international outcry Kenosha’s District Attorney, Michael Graveley decided not to charge the […]