Black Lives Matter and Antifa protesters have blockaded two blocks in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, a week after police fatally shot armed ex-convict Corey Ruiz. The protesters have erected barricades and tents, declaring the area the “Corey Ruiz Autonomous Zone” (CRAZ), a scene drawing comparisons to the 2020 “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ) in Seattle.
The city of Madison is reportedly providing portable toilets and other resources to the protesters. Residents have expressed frustration, with one anonymous local telling WMTV 15 News that they feel “trapped” and that the protest has become a “disrespectful occupation focused on punishing Willy Street for the incident.”
The section of Williamson Street, locally known as Willy Street, where the shooting occurred on July 22, has been officially closed off. The area now features piles of trash, graffiti, a statue of a Black Lives Matter fist, and what appears to be a community garden. Banners reading “Justice for Corey” and “Say his name” are displayed on local businesses.
Court records indicate Ruiz had a significant criminal history dating back to 2007, with at least 25 cases. He had most recently been convicted in 2025 of retail theft and resisting police. Authorities stated that Ruiz had recently been released from prison and had stabbed an officer moments before being fatally shot.
Alder Davy Mayer, a city official whose district includes the area, stated that the city is working to find a resolution but acknowledged the difficulty and time involved. He indicated that the city does not want a permanent takeover but also wishes to avoid a violent clearing of the zone. Mayer admitted that the migration of the local homeless population into the area has caused disruption.
The shooting of Ruiz, who was identified as Hispanic but whose court records listed him as African-American, has become a national focal point, with nightly protests occurring in Madison's central business district.