Senator Lindsey Graham questioned why Jacob Blake, who was shot seven times by police, did not yield when officers told him to do so.
He told reporters during a press conference with the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police: “I don’t know what happened there. Let’s find out. It’s dangerous being a cop.
“I don’t know why the gentleman didn’t yield when he was asked to yield. I don’t know what the facts are.”
29-year-old Jacob Blake was shot multiple times by a Kenosha police officer who was responding to calls of a ‘domestic incident.’
The South Carolina senator continued: “Police are not above the law. There are places where police act with impunity. This is not one of those nations.”
A cellphone video shows the officer shooting the father seven times as his three children watched in horror.
It is not clear whether officers asked Blake to yield but an officer can be seen tugging on his shirt.
Another video from a different angle shows that the father and police officers got into a physical fight moments before he was shot.
The father-of-three managed to break free from the brawl and started to walk to the driver’s side of his SUV. Gunshots then rang out as he opened the door.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. An investigation has also been launched into the case.
Blake underwent surgery at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and is now in stable condition. His father said he has ‘eight holes’ in his body and has been left paralyzed from the waist down.
Pete Deates, the president of the Kenosha Professional Police Association, said: “Anytime deadly force is used, our hearts go out to those affected by it.
“We assure you an independent investigation is being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation.”
Deates added: “Until that investigation is completed, we ask that you withhold prejudgment about the incident and please the let process take place.
“Governor Evers’ statement on the incident was wholly irresponsible and not reflective of the hardworking members of the law enforcement community, not to mention the citizens of the City of Kenosha.
“As always, the video currently circulating does not capture all the intricacies of a highly dynamic incident. We ask that you withhold from passing judgement until all the facts are known and released.
“We, along with the citizens of the great City of Kenosha, ask for peace and to let the process play out fairly and impartially.”
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!
Replaced!