FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/5/2021
Contact: Juan Ramiro Sarmiento
(785) 760 6567 | juan.sarmiento@younginvincibles.org
Kenosha Decision Stands As Latest Injustice of A Broken System
(Washington, DC) – Earlier today, Michael Graveley, Kenosha County, WI district attorney announced his decision to forgo any criminal charges against Rusten Sheskey, the police officer who in August of 2020, shot and seriously injured Jacob Blake in front of his daughter. For months, Mr. Blake’s family and community advocates have consistently called for charges to be filed.
In response, Rachel Fleischer, Executive Director for Young Invincibles issued the following statement:
“Once again, our system of justice reminds us of its fundamental inadequacy to render fair and just outcomes for all. Not only do we have a broken police system, but it is clear we have a broken accountability system.
To Jacob and his family, we extend our sincerest condolences for both the pain to your family and the unjust decision.
Tonight’s decision is yet another gut punch to those who have been organizing and protesting in the name of Black lives. The failure of the Kenosha County DA to charge the officer responsible for shooting and paralyzing Jacob Blake was predictable. This is an egregious pattern of injustice in America, one disproportionately borne by Black Americans. It is clear police officers in the United States can take or seriously injure a human life without consequence. It is cruel and it is shameful.”