TUCSON, Ariz. — Responding to a request from the state of Wisconsin, more than 150 Arizona National Guard members from the 850th Military Police Battalion were sent to the state last week. They returned Tuesday.
In Kenosha, Wisc., protesters have been demanding justice after police shot Jacob Blake in the back. On Aug. 25, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency.
The Arizona National Guard provided surge law enforcement to "assist in providing a safe environment in which citizens can freely exercise their Constitutional rights."
Arizona was one of three states sending people to Wisconsin.
“In the United States, we hold sacred the First Amendment rights of citizens to protest and assemble peacefully, as well as the safety and security of all of our citizens,” said Gov. Doug Ducey in a statement. “Over the summer, the Arizona National Guard provided effective support to state and local law enforcement keeping the peace in Arizona communities. We support public safety, everywhere — and we stand ready to support Wisconsin now in their time of need.”
