New footage released of four men and three women ‘wanted over fires during Kenosha riots’
NEW photos and video have been released of at least seven "persons of interest" in the Kenosha riots arson fires.
The people pictured - four men and three women - are being sought in relation to multiple fires believed to be deliberately lit in response to the August 23 police shooting of .
A furniture store, parole office, bank and a garbage truck were among the businesses and vehicles set ablaze in the apparent arson attacks.
The images emerged after investigators met with local property owners who had security cameras installed in areas where arson fires, vandalism and looting occurred.
A statement from the Milwaukee field office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives stated that investigators are “seeking to speak to at least seven persons of interest” in connection with the fires.
“We are asking the community to look at these images and videos and provide information to help solve these arsons,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristen de Tineo of the ATF’s Chicago field office.
"Now we need the public's help in reviewing these images. The U.S. Attorney's Office, with the ATF and our state and local partners, will continue working to hold accountable anyone responsible for the arsons that devastated Kenosha.
"Engaging the community is imperative to not only solving these arsons, it will help the community heal and build trust among all Kenosha stakeholders."
A federal arson conviction carries a minimum five-year prison sentence.
US Attorney Matthew Krueger said in a statement today: 'With remarkable speed, the ATF's National Response Team has already processed the fire scenes and isolated images of individuals who may have important information.
Fire Chief Charles Leipzig said last week there were 34 fires associated with the unrest, with 30 businesses damaged or destroyed. Dozens of cars were burned at car lots, including Car Source, and city vehicles were set aflame.
Speaking after the 7pm curfew was lifted yesterday, Mayor John Antaramian said he had consulted with local law enforcement agencies and decided the "curfew is no longer needed".
"The last several nights have been relatively peaceful in the community, and in the judgment of law enforcement, it is appropriate to remove the curfew," he said.
But he also warned that he would reinstate the curfew if more violence erupted in its absence, saying: "Criminal activity will not be tolerated and arrests will be made if needed."
The move to lift the curfew, which was originally set to expire next week, came the day after President Donald Trump visited Kenosha where he toured property damage and held a roundtable discussion with local authorities.
Wisconsin's governor and Kenosha's mayor, both Democrats, had urged Trump not to visit because they feared it could exacerbate the unrest in the city.
"While presidents are always welcome to come to this great city, this is not the best time for a visit," Mayor Antaramian said in a statement Sunday.
"We are hurting today and we are focused on healing, coming together as a community and rebuilding. There is a lot of listening we need to do in Kenosha and I worry that a visit from the president will delay this important work."
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But the president ignored his plea and the anticipated violence didn't manifest.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden followed Trump's lead and is planning to visit Kenosha with his wife Jill on Thursday.
Blake, an unarmed Black man, was shot seven times in the back in front of his children.
He remains in hospital and is now paralyzed from the waist down, according to his family.