‘Immensely disappointed’: Jacob Blake’s family react to no charge decision against police as Kenosha braces for protest

Jacob Blake’s family say they are “immensely disappointed” that prosecutors will not charge the police officers involved in his shooting.

Rusten Sheskey will not face charges for the shooting of Mr Blake, a Black man, which sparked violent protests in Wisconsin last August.

Mr Blake was shot seven times in the back when officers responded to a domestic incident, and although he survived he was left paralysed from the waist down.

“We are immensely disappointed and feel this decision failed not only Jacob and his family but the community that protested and demanded justice,” said Mr Blake’s lawyer, Ben Crump.

"This isn't the news we hoped for, but our work is not done and hope is not lost. 

"We must broaden the fight for justice on behalf of Jacob Blake and the countless other Black victims of racial injustice and police brutality. 

"We will continue to press forward with our own investigation and fight for systemic change in policing and transparency at all levels. 

“We urge Americans to continue to raise their voices and demand change in peaceful and positive ways during this emotional time.”

Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley also announced he would not be charging two other officers involved in the incident, Vincent Arenas and Brittany Meronek.

Mr Blake will also not face any charges stemming from the incident.

The state’s governor Tony Evers mobilised 500 National Guard troops ahead of the announcement at the request of local officials.

"Our members of the National Guard will be on hand to support local first responders, ensure Kenoshans are able to assemble safely, and to protect critical infrastructure as necessary," said Mr Evers.

Before the decision Mr Blake’s father, Jacob Blake Sr, called on residents to "stand up and make some noise.”

“Let's be heard around the world,” he added.

"We're not going to stop in Kenosha. We're headed to DC. We're headed to Nancy Pelosi's office. We're headed to whoever is going to be in charge of the Senate. 

"Because this has got to be federally heard, for not just my son, but for everybody who has suffered police brutality - everyone.”

Two people were killed and a third was seriously wounded in a shooting that took place during the violent protests that followed the incident with Mr Blake.

Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, faces charges of fatally shooting Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber, and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz.

Rittenhouse pleaded not guilty to all charges against him during a virtual arraignment on Tuesday.

Rittenhouse is also charged with misdemeanour possession of a dangerous weapon while under the age of 18.