Fundraiser For Jacob Blake, Black Man Shot By Wisconsin Police, Surpasses $1 Million In One Day

TOPLINE

A GoFundMe fundraiser for Jacob Blake—a 29-year-old Black man who was shot multiple times in the back by police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sunday—has raised over $1 million since its Monday launch.

KEY FACTS

Crucial Quote 

“These funds will go toward Jacob’s medical bills, family expenses, legal representation, support for his children and therapy costs,” the GoFundMe page explains. 

Key Background 

Blake is a father of six. According to the Kenosha police department, law enforcement was responding to a 911 call related to a “domestic incident” when they came across Blake, who family attorney Ben Crump said was leaving the scene after “breaking up a fight between two women.” Video of the incident shared to social media shows three officers with their weapons drawn grabbing Blake by the shirt as he tries to enter the car, and then firing shots. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. Outrage over the shooting comes amid months of Black Lives Matter protests highlighting police brutality against Black people in America. 

Further Reading 

“Jacob Blake Paralyzed From Waist Down After Being Shot In Back By Police, Father Says” (Forbes) 

Joe Biden Calls For ‘Immediate, Full And Transparent Investigation’ Into Jacob Blake Shooting (Forbes) 

Protests Erupt After Police Shoot A Black Man In The Back In Kenosha, Wisconsin (Forbes)