Frederica Freyberg:

From Washington to Kenosha, where this week prosecutors decided no charges would be filed against the officers involved in the August shooting that left Jacob Blake paralyzed. Kenosha residents took to the streets in the wake of the decision, but remained peaceful in calling for change. “Here & Now” Reporter Will Kennelly reports from Kenosha.

Michael Graveley:

It is my decision now that I announce today before you that no Kenosha law enforcement officer in this case will be charged with any criminal offense.

Will Kennelly:

It was the decision that Jacob Blake’s family didn’t want to hear.

Jacob Blake Sr.:

We’re unhappy with what was said today. We expected it. It did not sideswipe us or jump us from the backside.

Will Kennelly:

Kenosha DA Michael Graveley says it would be too hard to prove officers last August did not shoot Blake in self-defense. The investigation laid out a timeline of what happened. Police first responded to a 911 call over a dispute about a vehicle. And when they arrived, they tried to arrest Blake on a domestic violence warrant.

Police Officer:

Did they get you under arrest?

Jacob Blake:

They Tased me.

Police Officer:

They Tased you? Ok.

Jacob Blake:

I ripped it out.

Police Officer:

Ok.

Jacob Blake:

I said don’t do that.

Police Officer:

You told them not to do that?

Jacob Blake:

They told me not to do that.

Police Officer:

Okay.

Jacob Blake:

So then they hit me again.

Will Kennelly:

Blake moved toward the car carrying a knife. The DA says police started shooting when Blake turned toward the officers with the knife.

Jacob Blake:

They didn’t have to shoot me like that.

Police Officer:

They didn’t have to shoot you like that?

Jacob Blake:

I was just trying to leave. He had options to shoot my tires, even punch me.

Noble Wray:

The officers involved in this used every one of the intervention options to try to restrain Blake during this situation. It was everything from presence, dialogue, hand techniques, diffusing techniques, to Tasers, to eventually unfortunately, really unfortunately was the use of deadly force.

Will Kennelly:

The decision drew protests from Kenosha residents, which remained largely peaceful. Members of Blake’s family want to turn that energy into action.

Justin Blake:

It’s time to put on some working boots and get in this game. We built this nation yet we don’t reap the benefits or the liberties that this nation has to offer. It’s outrageous. It’s unconscionable and it is in 2021.

Will Kennelly:

Reporting from Kenosha, I’m Will Kennelly for “Here & Now.”