MSA Intel

Following the recent verdict announcement in connection to the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse in Kenosha, WI, nationwide protests are expected to begin today and throughout the weekend, with a possibility of larger demonstrations to occur. Protests are expected in a number of metropolitan cities across the U.S., including but not limited to: Baltimore, Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Atlanta, Kenosha, Minneapolis, Knoxville, Phoenix, Austin, Louisville, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.

Crowds of fluctuating sizes have gathered outside the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, WI, for the past three days in anticipation of a verdict being announced. According to reports, the crowds have ranged from a dozen to around 100 people representing a mix of viewpoints. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently announced that 500 soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard were placed on standby to prepare for the possibility of civil unrest in Kenosha. Governor Evers said he received a request from Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian to give the Wisconsin National Guard “a warning order to start preparing to help local law enforcement if they needed help.”

Currently, local law enforcement officials have been handling the day-to-day security deployment around the courthouse, but the Wisconsin National Guard is on standby. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has also reportedly planned for possible conflict prompted by the trial. The move by the CPD comes as an effort to “enhance public safety” to be proactive ahead of possible civil unrest ahead of the verdict from the trial.

Previously, trials with large media presence with verdicts that are unfavorable to the public have caused widespread protests occasionally resulting in incidents of vandalism, arson, property destruction, vehicle-ramming's, shootings, and clashes with police in major metropolitan areas. The threat posed by outside or criminal actors taking advantage of the protest activity to advance their agenda remains high, and impromptu actions are possible. Security personnel are likely to have an increased presence in major cities in which protests have previously occurred in an effort to prevent riotous activity. Federal law enforcement officials have advised state and local police, security agencies, and those participating in demonstrations, especially during the weekend, to report any suspicious activity or persons attempting to incite violence.

 

MSA Intel will continue to monitor the situation and provide relevant updates.

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