Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that 500 National Guard troops have been activated in preparation for the expected verdict from the Kyle Rittenhouse case next week.
The troops will be on standby outside of Kenosha and are ready to respond “if requested by local law enforcement” after the jury’s decision is made.
The governor’s office reported that the National Guard will be operating ““in conjunction with hundreds of officers from volunteering law enforcement agencies”.
Evers said “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”.
In his statement, Evers said “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,” he added.
The defense rested its case Thursday afternoon and closing arguments are expected Monday. The jury will then begin deliberations.