Hundreds of Wisconsin National Guard troops have been activated in preparation for a possible verdict next week in the Kenosha murder trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, according to Gov. Tony Evers' office.
Approximately 500 troops are reporting for active duty and will partner with law enforcement as the city braces for the possibility of unrest.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys for Rittenhouse have rested their cases, and closing arguments are set to begin next week.
Follow live updates in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial here.
With the potential for protests and significant disruptions, Evers said the state will provide resources to ensure residents' safety.
On Aug. 24, just one day before Rittenhouse fatally shot the two men and injured a third, Evers deployed the Wisconsin National Guard to help provide support to law enforcement agencies in Kenosha following the unrest.
Evers' office described that deployment as a "limited mobilization," explaining soldiers would be used to help protect infrastructure, including fire stations and utilities. »