Author: Sam Buisman

Wisconsin calls off the National Guard from policing protests related to the death of George Floyd.

Through a press release, Governor Tony Evers announced a conclusion to the Wisconsin National Guard's mission to maintain public safety amidst the unrest following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Any guardsperson remaining in one of the five Wisconsin cities where they were deployed for this purpose, including Madison, will be withdrawn.

The Governor praised the National Guard while acknowledging the demands of protestors.

“This is a watershed moment for our nation, one that requires everyone being willing to come together,” said the Governor through a press release. “I am encouraged by the peaceful protesters who continue to make their voices heard and demand change, and I am grateful for the citizen soldiers of the Wisconsin National Guard whose important mission helped keep our communities safe.”

Since May 30, the National Guard deployed a total of 1,500 troops between the cities of Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha and Racine to aid local police in controlling protests and suppressing rioting in the wake of Floyd's death.

However, in Madison, the aggressive tactics of law enforcement to coerce protesters drew ire from activists and some city officials.

According to the press release, the 1,200 Guard troops deployed around the state to assist with its COVID-19 response will remain in the field.