ACLU calls on Kenosha County officials to resign in wake of Jacob Blake shooting
KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Law enforcement leaders are facing criticism over their response to the Jacob Blake shooting, and the shooting deaths of two protesters. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is calling on Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth and Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis to resign.
The ACLU announcement came down a few hours after the sheriff and police chief addressed the public Thursday afternoon, Aug. 27, for just the second time since both incidents.
BREAKING: We are calling for the immediate resignation of Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis and Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth.
— ACLU (@ACLU) August 27, 2020
The news conference was basically just prepared statements from officials. Before things even started, a law enforcement spokesman said they would not be taking any questions. The reason? he said they didn't want to speculate on anything, like social media videos and posts.
Press conference hasn’t started but We’ve been told they will NOT take questions. We repeatedly asked why & spokesman just said they don’t want to “speculate” on anything (like social media posts). They MAY take questions at tomorrow’s press conference. #Kenosha #JacobBlake pic.twitter.com/qpuvxpuZbs
— Kristen Barbaresi (@KristenBarbar) August 27, 2020
What officials did say was that Wednesday night's protests were very calm and peaceful. They praised those that were out demonstrating and thanked those who went home by the 7 p.m. curfew. The police chief did say there were some arrests but didn't say how many or why.
"Unfortunately there were still weapons charges, there were still persons arrested on warrants. I believe there were other cases as well. I won’t go in to those details at this time," said Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis.
Police did not mention the Jacob Blake investigation and said there is no update on the investigation into the shooting of protesters that left two dead.
"I think the people that were here last night were Kenosha’s people. We didn’t see streams of cars from out of Kenosha County. Huge part of me thinks a lot of our issues start when different people with different agendas come here to Kenosha," said Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth.
I do not know if the Sheriff misspoke or mixed up the nights. Couldn’t ask for clarity because they didn’t. Take. Questions. #kenosha https://t.co/C0IzqUbROz
— Kristen Barbaresi (@KristenBarbar) August 27, 2020
Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian said as the city rebuilds, he is asking Gov. Tony Evers for money to help businesses damaged during riots, and will be asking for federal dollars too. The larger issues of racism will also be a priority.
"The city has been working together with other entities on putting together committees that are going to be working on systemic racist and dealing with how we’re going to improve our community and give everyone a voice," said Mayor Antaramian.
Meanwhile, officials expect demonstrations to continue. A 7 p.m. curfew is still in effect and National Guard members from Alabama, Arizona, and Michigan will be coming to help.
"those are not federalized troops, they’re here on state duty, they’re here on a mutual aide agreement or compact between the states and specifically the governors."
Police Chief Miskinis said they are still investigating the arson and looting cases and expect to bring charges. Officials are expected to answer questions from the media on Friday, Aug. 28, at another news conference.