'This is a very racist city': Jacob Blake family reacts to Rittenhouse verdict

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It was the police shooting of Jacob Blake that set off the violent protests that brought Kyle Rittenhouse to Kenosha.

Friday, Nov. 19, Blake's family expressed disappointment in the verdict.

They held a press conference following the decision.

Justin Blake, Jacob Blake Jr.'s uncle, says this is a tragic day in history. And he believes the judge was biased from the beginning of this trial. He says it should have been a different judge in that seat.

Justin Blake and other local activists say this was not a Black or white case. It was about what's right and what's wrong.

Blake says this brings him back to Jan. 5 when no charges were filed against Kenosha Police Officer Rusten Sheskey after he shot Jacob Blake seven times last August.

Blake continues to call Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber heroes, and they were out that night supporting Jacob Blake.

He feels that any white person who stands up for a Black person can be equally gunned down.

"This is a very racist city," said Justin Blake. "It's been shown through and through, over and over. The judge displayed that. It is clear this is not a town that welcomes African Americans and minorities. This was not a true and accurate carry of justice and it led to this young man getting away because of it."

Civil rights activist Ben Crump also reacted to the verdict. 

He sent a statement, in part saying:

"If you needed yet another example of the two justice systems at work in America, look no further than the delayed arrest, spectacle of a trial and acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse."

The Blake family says this fight is not over.