Renowned attorney Benjamin Crump issued a statement on Kenosha District Attorney Michal Gravely’s decision not to file charges against Rusten Sheskey, a white police officer who shot a Black man 7 times in the back.
Jacob Blake, 29, was shot in August when Kenosha police officers attempted to detain him on an outstanding warrant for domestic assault and a sex crime.
Sheskey opened fire when Blake opened his driver-side door and reached inside the vehicle. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down.
“We are immensely disappointed in Kenosha District Attorney Michael Gravely’s decision not to charge the officers involved in this horrific shooting,” Crump said Tuesday.
“We feel this decision failed not only Jacob and his family, but the community that protested and demanded justice.”
Gravely pleaded with residents to remain peaceful in light of his decision.
“Rather than burning things down, can moments of tragedy like this be an opportunity to build things?” he asked.
Jacob’s shooting sparked protests, riots and looting last year. Teenager Kyle Rittenhouse, who is charged with killing two Antifa protesters, pleaded not guilty to all charges at a hearing on Tuesday.
Rittenhouse is currently freed on $2 million bond. A march trial date has been set, but his lawyer said the date is unrealistic.
