Last week, Jacob Blake—an African American man—was shot seven times in the back by police in front of his children, leaving him paralyzed and prompting protests across the nation, most notably in Blake's hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Thrust into the national spotlight, Blake's family advocated for peaceful protests against the police brutality disproportionately affecting Black Americans.
While Blake's family has spoken with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, they've yet to do so with President Donald Trump.
Trump claims he spoke with the family's pastor, but declined to speak with the family because they reportedly wanted a lawyer present. Meanwhile, Blake's father says they don't have a family pastor and doesn't know who Trump was referring to.
Blake's uncle, Justin Blake, had a blunt response when asked if the White House reached out.
In response to White House saying they're reaching out to #JacobBlake's family. His uncle just told me “President Trump is a racist who stokes racial tensions. Why, as Jake's uncle, would I want to talk to him? Our focus is on Jacob, the community & getting #JusticeForJacobBlake" pic.twitter.com/6qoP82iwbb
— Sara Sidner (@sarasidnerCNN) August 31, 2020
According to CNN reporter Sara Sidner, Blake said:
"President Trump is a racist who stokes racial tensions. Why, as Jake's uncle, would I want to talk to him? Our focus is on Jacob, the community & getting #JusticeForJacobBlake"
Justin Blake made similar comments to ABC News, and said that Trump was partially responsible.
"How could they not be feeding on violence when the man in the White House is steady drumming it up? Did you not think it would not trickle down to the streets? It has. So we have the opportunity to control the narrative as the Blake family, and we're gonna do that."
Others agreed.
Nobody wants to hear from @realDonaldTrump #JacobBlake https://t.co/VumtVhf6Gt
— Cheryl Madison (@madisonbatts) August 31, 2020
That's how you do that. https://t.co/Mr63lYc158
— LaSonya (@LaSonya_Wilson) August 31, 2020
This energy!!! https://t.co/6jw7qePJKu
— 🖤 (@blk_hart) August 31, 2020
💯 right.
Well said Jacob Blake uncle. https://t.co/fsS0M3BcWD
— Anime_Now (@Anime_Now90) August 31, 2020
Why indeed would Jacob Blake's family want to speak to the Racist in Chief? 🤔 #TrumpViolence https://t.co/Zkc3BFgunc
— Jeff Is Really Damn Blue (@jeffisbluenow) August 31, 2020
What kind of comfort can Trump offer? Has he ever comforted anyone - in his 75 years of life? https://t.co/A1a3R5alKx
— anjali (@everydayanjali) August 31, 2020
https://t.co/7ciwRWvph3 pic.twitter.com/I6ZZxTJzC4
— RevBAJones (@RevBAJones) August 31, 2020
Justin Blake's words come the day before the President is expected to visit Kenosha, despite pleas from local officials not to come, for fear that it would only exacerbate the unrest.
Kenosha doesn't want Trump. I don't blame them— do you? https://t.co/Evjpy6CmFL
— Nikki Pipe On Head (@on_pipe) August 30, 2020
Trump is trying to gin up more violence--don't give him what he wants, Kenosha. https://t.co/zcrSfcjSy1
— Mary E Haight (@dancingdogblog) August 31, 2020
Trump is inciting the violence and Joe is trying to calm it down! Even the mayor of both Portland and Kenosha don't want Trump in there. That is a clue Trump is inciting the violence! https://t.co/tvbj2igOHE
— Nikki Pipe On Head (@on_pipe) August 31, 2020
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany confirmed on Monday that there are currently no plans for Trump to meet with the Blake family while in Wisconsin.
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Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images