President Trump on Friday said that the National Guard quelled violence and rioting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
“Succes (sic): Since the National Guard moved into Kenosha, Wisconsin, two days ago, there has been NO FURTHER VIOLENCE, not even a small problem. When legally asked to help by local authorities, the Federal Government will act and quickly succeed. Are you listening Portland?” Trump tweeted.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday that Trump “assisted Wisconsin in the deployment of almost 1,000 National Guard and over 200 federal law enforcement personnel” after a phone call from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Evers reportedly mobilized the National Guard on Monday, dispatching 150 guardsmen to Kenosha amid widespread looting and arson after Blake was shot Sunday. On Tuesday, he increased the number of guardsmen to 250.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said Tuesday that Evers refused an offer of federal help.
The governor accepted assistance after the Tuesday night shooting deaths of two protesters, allegedly murdered by 17-year-old pro-police gunman Kyle Rittenhouse.
Blake, 29, was shot in the back multiple times as he reached into his car after walking away from police officers responding to a fight. He had scuffled with them and reportedly was tased before approaching his car. He was shot seven times as he tried to open the door to his car, in which sat his young sons. He survived but may be permanently disabled.
Trump has repeatedly implored governors to deploy the National Guard to stop looting and arson amid national unrest sparked by the May killing of George Floyd by Minnesota police.