Vance Talks Crime in Kenosha, 4 Years After Riots

KENOSHA, Wis. (WRJN) – Republican presidential candidate J.D. Vance addressed a crowd of about 200 supporters in Kenosha’s Civic Center Park on Tuesday, focusing on crime and safety issues four years after violent protests rocked the area.

The park, adjacent to the historic Kenosha County Courthouse, was the site of riots and property damage in 2020. This time, it was heavily secured with local law enforcement, Secret Service agents, and blockades.

Vance, who recently received an endorsement from the Milwaukee police union, got the same endorsement today from the Kenosha Professional Police Association.  

The Vice Presidential candidate was joined on stage by Senate candidate Eric Hovde, Congressman Bryan Steil, and local law enforcement officials.

Steil recalled the unrest from four years ago, criticizing Governor Evers’ response, while Hovde addressed border issues, blaming Vice President Harris and Senator Baldwin.

Scott Carpenter, a local business owner whose store was burned during the 2020 riots, shared his experience. The owner of B & L Office Furniture voiced frustration that police weren’t able to keep his business safe, nor any of the other buildings safe other than the courthouse.   

Security measures were extensive for the event today, with streets closed to traffic and filled with law enforcement personnel. City buses and public works trucks blocked vehicle access. Secret Service confirmed searching subterranean tunnels beneath the park, and snipers were positioned on nearby buildings.

Vance, when asked, said he did not watch any of the previous night’s Democratic National Convention.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have an event tonight in Milwaukee.