Wisconsin governor authorizes deployment of National Guard troops to Kenosha ahead of Rittenhouse verdict

National Guard members will reportedly be staged outside Kenosha in a standby mode to respond to requests from local law enforcement agencies.

"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, according to TMJ4.

"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," the Wisconsin governor stated.

Wisconsin's adjutant general Major General Paul Knapp said the National Guard is ready to support communities. "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," Knapp said.

Closing arguments in the high-profile Rittenhouse trial are expected to occur on Monday, with jurors beginning deliberation soon after.