Thousands of GOP supporters and protesters are expected to gather in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, but the city is also grappling with growing demands for justice in the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell. Mitchell, a Black man, died on June 30 after being pinned to the ground by security guards at a hotel. The incident has sparked outrage and amplified concerns about systemic brutality against Black individuals.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented George Floyd's family, spoke out against the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of addressing Mitchell's death alongside the convention's events. Mitchell's family and their legal team are calling for charges to be filed against those responsible.

According to reports, Mitchell was held down by four security guards at the Hyatt Regency after entering the hotel and causing a disturbance. Surveillance video viewed by the family and their lawyers showed Mitchell being punched, kicked, and dragged outside the hotel while attempting to flee. Mitchell's widow, DeAsia Harmon, described the video as "disgusting" and confirmed that her husband was running for his life.

The family's legal team also presented a signed affidavit from a hotel employee, stating that a security guard struck Mitchell with a baton and that Mitchell posed no threat while on the ground. Furthermore, an on-duty security guard allegedly took a photo of Mitchell's lifeless body during police questioning, leading to further outrage.

The preliminary cause of Mitchell's death, as determined by the medical examiner's office, is homicide. However, the exact cause remains under investigation, and no criminal charges have been filed thus far. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's office is awaiting the full autopsy results and reviewing the case as a homicide.

Critics argue that the incident reflects a pattern of excessive force used against Black individuals, citing the video evidence of security guards kneeling on Mitchell's back and neck and striking him in the head. The family's legal team also highlighted the use of force documented in bystander videos circulating on social media.

D'Vontaye Mitchell, a Milwaukee native, was not homeless, contrary to the initial report from the medical examiner's office. His family emphasized the importance of keeping his case in the spotlight and not overshadowing it with the upcoming GOP convention. They called for widespread attention and discussion on the matter, urging people from all political affiliations to address the issue.

The Associated Press reached out to representatives of the Republican National Convention for comment on Mitchell's death, but no response was received at the time of reporting.

As the Republican National Convention looms, the calls for justice in D'Vontaye Mitchell's case continue to intensify. The incident highlights the ongoing battle against racial violence and police brutality, demanding a comprehensive examination of the systemic abuse of power.