Gov. Evers visits Kenosha, announces more National Guard support from AZ, MI and AL

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Aug 27, 2020 12:43 PM CDT | Updated: Aug 27, 2020 5:17 PM CDT

Updated: 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2020

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers, along with Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes and the Wisconsin National Guard, held a news conference in Kenosha Thursday evening, Aug. 27. This, in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

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Published: 12:43 p.m. on Aug. 27, 2020

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday, Aug. 27, requested other states -- under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) -- to bring additional National Guard troops, equipment, and resources to Kenosha to support authorities tehre.

According to a news release, EMAC is a mutual aid agreement that allows governors to provide state-to-state assistance during declared states of emergency. It will enable other states to provide resources such as National Guard troops and equipment to the requesting state.

National Guard troops from Arizona, Michigan and Alabama will add to Wisconsin National Guard troops already on the ground supporting civil authorities in Kenosha under the EMAC.

Any National Guard troops from other states mobilized to support Wisconsin would do so in a State Active Duty status – not in a federal status. Those troops would fall under the operational control of Wisconsin's adjutant general during their mobilization, but remain under their respective State's administrative control.

Wisconsin National Guard troops have been on duty in Kenosha since August 24 when authorities in Kenosha made an initial request for Guard assistance. In the ensuing days, local officials in Kenosha made subsequent requests for additional Wisconsin National Guard assistance, resulting in more troops supporting public safety efforts in the city each day. Troop numbers will continue to be adjusted as needed.

Local officials are leading the response in Kenosha, and National Guard troops are serving in a support role to assist civil authorities in preserving public safety and individuals' ability to exercise their First Amendment rights to assemble peaceably.