Taking Justice Into His Own Hands: Jacob Blake Filed Federal Suit Against Cop Who Paralyzed Him

About a year ago, Jacob Blake was shot in the back by a police officer after a stop that resulted in his paralyzation. With the help of attorney Ben Crump, Blake has just filed a federal lawsuit against Kenosha police officer, Rusten Sheskey for the shooting.

Based on the language in the lawsuit, Blake claims to have made no physical or verbal threats towards any officer and was attempting to walk away from the situation when he was shot by Sheskey in the back six times. Although Blake admitted to having a folding knife on him, it was never brandished or used in a threatening manner and Sheskey still opened fire even after the knife was dropped on the floor of the vehicle.

Six bullets hit Blake in the back but seven were unloaded from Sheskeys gun; the remaining bullet hit the side door of the vehicle and according to Blake, “could’ve ripped through the car and struck one of his children”, who were still present. One of the bullets that entered Blakes back severed his spinal cord, leaving him without the ability to walk and he’s not confined to a wheelchair. These injuries have left him without the ability to work and needing assistance with daily tasks despite the countless surgeries and physical rehab.

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The suit makes the claim that the shooting constitutes excessive force under the circumstances and Sheskey is the main one responsible, as he pulled the trigger. When criminal charges were brought into the picture a while back, neither Sheskey nor any of the other cops involved were charged. It’s clear that Blake wants to take some of his power back because someone should pay for what happened to him; Sheskey is being sued for unspecified damages and Blake is hoping for a Jury trial.