Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man who was shot at least seven times in the back by police on Sunday, is now in stable condition. The shooting sparked national outrage and ongoing demonstrations in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where two protestors were killed.
Raysean White, Blake’s neighbor who recorded the video of the shooting that has received millions of views, recently spoke out about what he saw.
“It’s highly disturbing to me, but I’m pretty sure Jacob’s kids were more traumatized than anybody during the whole situation,” White told CNN. “I really hope everybody sees what’s constantly going on around the world and this country. I hope they actually get justice for this man.”
White reported that he was unable to sleep on Sunday after what he saw leading up to the recording.
White said that as Blake approached his son, who was standing on the lawn, he told him to get in his truck. White stepped away from the scene for a moment, but upon his return noted a significant change in scenery.
Two officers, White said, had placed Blake in a headlock, while yanking his right arm and repeatedly punching him in the ribs.
“After they punched him in his rib, the female officer Tased him and Jacob kind of leaned on the car and they proceeded to wrestle him toward the back of the car and he went to the other side of the car,” White revealed. “When they were on the other side of the car on the ground, I had to pick up my camera and start recording.”
The shooting occurred on a residential road, while Blake’s three sons were forced to watch from the backseat of his truck. Blake, who was then shot seven times in the back, is expected to survive but is now paralyzed from the waist down.
I’ve literally seen people ask why are we mad about Jacob Blake because he didn’t die! Oh my bad I didn’t realize we only deserved or wanted justice in death, tf??? He’s alive to get it !! Folk are so ignorant bro
— Auntie Bev, MS (@curlybeviie) August 26, 2020
Tuesday evening’s demonstration in Kenosha resulted in two fatalities and one major injury from a vigilante who drove up from Antioch, Illinois as tension escalated between police and protesters.
Water bottles, rocks and fireworks were thrown at police while protesters were met with rubber bullets and tear gas and threats of arrest.
Two people have died and one was injured in a shooting during the protests for #JacobBlake. Cellphone video of the shootings appears to show a white man with a semi-automatic rifle.
Police said armed people had been patrolling the city, calling them “a vigilante group.” pic.twitter.com/mipgUSJZiy
— AJ+ (@ajplus) August 26, 2020
Blake’s mother, Julia Jackson, said that she was praying for the country’s healing but was opposed to violent action. The chaos and destruction that stemmed from her son’s shooting, she said, was not a reflection of her son or her family.
Blake’s father, Jacob Blake, Sr., said that the shooting was a “senseless attempted murder.” He wept.
“They shot my son seven times, like he didn’t matter.”
Blake’s family has since denounced the police and revealed their lack of confidence in a fair investigation. However, they will continue to seek justice for the man who is their son, brother, cousin, and father.
