Out-of-State Police Officers Shoot and Kill Man Wielding Knives near Republican National Convention
ICARO Media Group
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - A man wielding two knives near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee was shot and killed by police officers from Ohio, according to Milwaukee's police chief, Jeffrey Norman. The incident occurred on Tuesday when five members of the Columbus Police Department fired their weapons after the armed man refused to comply with police commands and charged at an unarmed individual.
Body camera footage released by the police shows officers on bicycles noticing the armed man and shouting for him to drop the knife. As the armed man moved closer to the unarmed individual, the officers fired their weapons. Two knives were recovered from the scene. Chief Norman stated that "someone's life was in danger" and commended the Ohio officers for taking action to save a life.
The shooting, which took place in a public park located about a mile from the convention site, has sparked anger among residents who question why out-of-state officers were present in their neighborhood. However, both the Columbus Police Department and the joint command center for the convention have stated that there is no evidence to suggest the shooting was related to the convention itself.
Milwaukee residents and activists gathered at the scene of the shooting, expressing outrage over the involvement of an out-of-state police department in their community. Many residents pointed out that the tent encampment across the street from the shooting location had been a part of the neighborhood for a long time. Some residents believe that local Milwaukee police officers, who are familiar with the individuals living in the encampment, could have deescalated the situation.
The chief of police emphasized that the Columbus officers were within their assigned zone and witnessed the altercation during a bike patrol meeting. He reiterated that the officers only resorted to using force when the armed man failed to comply with multiple commands and moved towards the unarmed individual. The officers were wearing body cameras, and the footage will be released in accordance with the department's policy.
The Columbus Police Department has gained attention for its special unit dedicated to improving police-community relationships and its visible role in guiding peaceful protests during the convention. The shooting occurred near King Park, close to the convention center, where a small group of protesters had assembled before marching. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office has scheduled an autopsy for Wednesday to further investigate the incident.
The tragic event has prompted ongoing discussions about the presence of out-of-state officers and the response of police in tense situations. As the investigation unfolds, Milwaukee residents and activists plan to hold a nighttime vigil to remember the man who was killed and to call for justice and accountability.