Joe Biden Heads To Kenosha As Curfew Lifted After Several Nights Of Peaceful Protests

After several nights of peaceful protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the city’s mayor lifted the curfew imposed in the city during the first few chaotic days after the death of Jacob Blake.

The decision precedes a planned visit by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to the city Thursday after President Donald Trump visited the city on Tuesday.

“The last several nights have been relatively peaceful in the community, and in the judgment of law enforcement, it is appropriate to remove the curfew,” Mayor John Antaramian told reporters on Wednesday. However, he said “criminal activity will not be tolerated” and the curfew would be re-imposed if necessary.

The protests, sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake, were chaotic for the first few nights after they started on Aug. 24. Vandalism, fires, and altercations were seen across the city for three nights. Then the chaos appeared to escalate after local militias came out in response to the protests, leading to the shooting of three protesters, two of whom were killed, by Illinois teen Kyle Rittenhouse.

Those deaths seemed to be a turning points. The protests continued, but they became far more peaceful as many residents who were supporting Jacob Blake and Black Lives Matter, including Blake's family members, pleaded for the violence to stop. A small handful of altercations have been reported since then, most of which took place during Trump’s Tuesday visit.

A lawsuit was also filed by four Black Lives Matter protesters arrested by Kenosha police. They accused the police of targeting unarmed protesters while showing support for the armed militia and counter-protesters. Attorney Kimberly Motley, who is representing the protesters, said the suit likely played a part in Antaramian’s decision to lift the curfew.

“In Kenosha, there are two sets of laws — one that applies to those who protest police brutality and racism, and another for those who support the police,” the lawsuit said.

Biden will tour the city on Thursday and is set to visit the Blake family, something President Trump did not do because the family members wanted their lawyer present. U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, said there is already a different tone about the impending visit because "Joe Biden is welcomed by the locals.”

“I'm sure they're looking forward to meeting him,” Moore told Milwaukee Fox-affiliate WITI. “I know Joe. And even in this COVID environment, he's a hugger. Put a mask on, and give you a hug. And I know this is desperately needed in a time like this.”

She also appeared to call out Trump for trying to present himself as the law and order candidate, saying the U.S. was well past the time for this kind of political tactic.

“Law and order and Nixon won the election that way,” Moore said. “This is not 1968. We're on to you President Trump.”