One person was reportedly shot in Milwaukee on Sunday night as protests continued over the police-related fatal shooting of an African-American man.
The person shot on Sunday has not been identified, according to Reuters. Police said that an officer was also taken to hospital after someone threw a rock through the windshield of a squad car.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency and activated the state’s National Guard, saying they would be standing by to “aid local law enforcement” after a request was made by Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Violent protests had unfolded on Saturday after a patrol officer shot and killed 23-year-old Sylville K. Smith. Authorities say he tried to run away after being pulled over on a traffic stop for suspicious activity.
Officials described Smith as someone with a lengthy arrest record, and who was carrying a stolen handgun loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition at the time, reported Reuters.
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn has said that the officer who shot Smith is also African-American.
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While Flynn emphasized that the investigation of the shooting was still ongoing, he said that a review of the officer’s body camera suggested that the officer “certainly appeared to be within lawful bounds.”
“The individual did turn toward the officer with a firearm in his hand,” said Flynn.
Sunday evening in Milwaukee appeared to see an odd confluence of emotions as Smith’s family and friends gathered to hold a candlelight vigil for him, urging peace on the streets.
According to CNN, Smith’s sister spoke out to condemn the previous night’s violence, saying she did not support protesters who had been setting fire to local businesses.
“Don’t bring that violence here,” said Sherelle Smith.
How the public will respond, however, remains to be seen. “At one point,” CNN reported, “the crowd chanted ‘ready for war,’ followed by a chant of ‘peace, peace, peace.’”
