MADISON, Wis.— Gov. Tony Evers confirmed Friday that he has authorized about 500 Wisconsin Army National Guard troops to be on standby in Kenosha, Wisconsin, ahead of the jury's decision in the Kyle Rittenhouse trial.

They will respond if local law enforcement requests help.

“We stand ready to support our communities during times of need,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general. “In close coordination with the governor, we have assembled approximately 500 soldiers to help keep the Kenosha community safe, should a request from our local partners come in.”

The troops would be additional support to Kenosha authorities and first responders. 

“We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe,” said Evers. “The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing. I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully.”