US: Authorities extend curfew in Kenosha county through September 2 as demonstrations continue /update 5

Event

Authorities in Kenosha stated on Sunday, August 30, that the 19:00 - 07:00 (local time) in Kenosha county (Wisconsin state) will be extended until at least Wednesday, September 2, having initially been due to expire on Sunday. Demonstrations continued in Kenosha on Sunday, with both pro- and anti-police groups gathering in the latest demonstrations which follow the shooting of Jacob Blake on August 23. The rallies seemingly passed off peacefully. 

A heightened security presence is to be expected in Kenosha over the near term, with associated disruption to transportation likely.

Context

Jacob Blake, an African American, was reportedly shot several times by police officers while they were responding to an alleged domestic incident in Kenosha. A video posted online reportedly shows Jacob being shot in the back as he tried to get into his car. Blake was reportedly paralyzed from the waist down. The incident has sparked mass protests in Kenosha denouncing police violence. Two people were shot dead in Kenosha on Wednesday, August 26, amid the protests. The shooting of Jacob Blake comes amid heightened tensions in the US over police brutality following the killing of African American man George Floyd in May. 

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, allow additional travel time in city centers, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.