Unarmed and shot in back 7 times by cop
Protests as new race row erupts in States
A BLACK man shot in the back by a white police officer was in a serious condition in hospital last night, sparking new US race protests.
Unarmed Jacob Blake, 29, was shot seven times at close range as he tried to get into his car.
Witnesses said his three young sons were in the SUV and saw their dad gunned down.
A curfew and state of emergency were declared as protesters set police roadblocks on fire in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Video posted on social media shows at least two officers following Mr Blake with their guns drawn as he walks round his car to the driver’s side.
When he opens the door and tries to get in, one officer grabs him by his vest. He then points his gun as he holds him, and at least seven shots are heard.
Mr Blake is seen slumping into the car as he goes limp, with the car horn blaring. Police had been called to a domestic disturbance on Sunday. Witnesses say Mr Blake had been trying to break up a fight between two women.
The two officers have been put on “administrative leave”. Kenosha is on Lake Michigan, 65 miles north of Chicago. Wisconsin governor Tony Evers said: “Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight.
“While we don’t have all the details yet, we know for certain he is not the first black man shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement.”
Benjamin Crump, the lawyer who represents the family of George Floyd – killed in May – said of Mr Blake’s children: “They saw a cop shoot their father. They’ll be traumatised forever. Our kids deserve better.”