Milwaukee County Sheriff Clarke Requests Mobilization of National Guard

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clark requested that Governor Scott Walker activate the National Guard.

Milwaukee County Sheriff Clarke Requests Mobilization of National Guard

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke has requested the mobilization of the National Guard in the wake of the violent riots which occurred Saturday night.

The riots were started after an officer-involved shooting of an armed black man who had a stolen gun in-hand when he was shot.

During the riots, multiple buildings were set on fire, shots were fired at police and firefighters, bricks were thrown at officers and patrol cars, at least two patrol cars were set on fire, and an officer was hit over the head with a brick. A gas station was set on fire during the riot, and firefighters were unable to respond due to shots being fired at first responders. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that one of its reporters was shoved to the ground and punched, presumably for being white.

At least one person was reportedly murdered during the rioting, but it’s unknown if it’s related to the riot. There were nine shootings in Milwaukee the night before the riot.

Sheriff Clarke released a statement as part of his news release on the incident, “We cannot allow for a repeat of what happened (Saturday) night.  I am going to utilize all available resources to accomplish that.”

At Sheriff Clarke’s request, Governor Scott Walker has activated the National Guard. The National Guard will be in position to respond at the request of law enforcement in case any more violence breaks out.

Milwaukee Chief Edward Flynn, who was just featured in a video highlighting the violence that officers face down, was out of town for a funeral during the riot. Chief Flynn has returned to the city on Sunday and will be ready to respond with his department to handle any outbreak of violence or property destruction.