The National Guard is bracing for potential protests and violence as the Rittenhouse verdict swiftly approaches.
In anticipation of the high-profile verdict, 500 National Guard troops are reportedly on standby and ready to storm the city of Kenosha should the need to assist local law enforcement in dealing with demonstrations arise following the verdict.
In the meanwhile, police forces across the nation are making preparations to maintain order in case acquittal or mistrial allow teenage shooter Kyle Rittenhouse to walk free next weekend.
“We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe,” Governor Tony Evers said as he revealed that National Guard troops will be stationed outside Kenosha.
“The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing.
“I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully.”
Meanwhile, the National Police Association spokesperson, Sergeant Betsy Brantner Smith, revealed that law enforcement around the nation will not disclose details of their preparations for potential riots in order to avoid having their plans ruined.
“I’d guess that perhaps they’re just trying to be prepared without too much being known to potential protesters. A lot of jurisdictions will be doing that,” Smith told DailyMail.com.
“One of the things, when we go back to George Floyd riots and others, some departments were caught unawares of how bad the situation was going to be.
“Law enforcement has learned from recent history… they’re going to try to be prepared.”
Rittenhouse, 18, is facing the end of his reckless homicide and intentional homicide trial after shooting dead two Black Lives Matter protesters in alleged self-defense in the Wisconsin city last year.
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