A coalition of communist, socialist, and left-wing activist organizations significantly contributed to the nearly two-week protest and encampment in Madison, Wisconsin, following the fatal police shooting of homeless man Corey Ruiz. The demonstrations later escalated into clashes with police, street fires, and blocked intersections.
Key groups involved include the Madison chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Freedom Inc. (a local "social justice" nonprofit), and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (a Marxist-Leninist political organization). These groups publicly supported the protests, organized demonstrations, and maintained a sprawling encampment. Freedom Inc. also stated it had bailed out dozens of protesters arrested during the demonstrations.
The mobilization reflects a broader pattern where communist and socialist organizations use local confrontations with law enforcement to build protest movements and advance political agendas, according to national security experts.
Encampment and Escalation
Before city crews dismantled the encampment on Tuesday morning, it had grown to include dozens of tents, portable toilets, food distribution areas, and memorial displays. Organizers also brought a raised-fist sculpture from Minneapolis' George Floyd Square to the site.
The initial demonstrations began after Ruiz was fatally shot on July 22. Police reported that officers responded to theft reports, and Ruiz fled on a bicycle. Authorities stated that after officers caught up with him, Ruiz produced a knife, injured one officer during a struggle, and was fatally shot by another.
Protesters have accused law enforcement of excessive force and have drawn parallels to the 2020 death of George Floyd. The unrest culminated on Tuesday and into Wednesday, with protesters allegedly throwing projectiles at city workers, setting five street fires, and clashing with officers. The Madison Police Department reported at least 22 arrests during this period. A handgun was also recovered from a juvenile protester arrested on unrelated charges.
Role of Specific Organizations
Party for Socialism and Liberation
The Party for Socialism and Liberation, identified by Fox News Digital as a key organizer in past protest movements, has used social media to mobilize supporters with rhetoric that repeatedly referred to the involved officer as a "killer cop." The group organized demonstrations, urged followers to "take the streets," and pressured elected officials through coordinated campaigns demanding the officer's arrest.
After the encampment was cleared, the Party for Socialism and Liberation posted a video showing officers removing memorial items and flowers, urging supporters to attend an evening demonstration. The post accused city officials of protecting the officer, stating, "Killer cop … is still walking free. Still on the streets. Still getting paid," identifying the officer by name. The group concluded, "You can destroy a memorial, but you cannot destroy a movement."
Freedom Inc.
Freedom Inc., a Madison-based nonprofit advocating for police abolition and defunding law enforcement, claimed to have "bailed out 50 people" from the Dane County Public Safety Building following the previous night's arrests and stated they had "shut down Doty Street directly in front of the jail while working to get people released." Fox News Digital was unable to independently verify the claim of bailing out 50 protesters.
IRS filings show Freedom Inc. reported approximately $4.9 million in revenue in 2024, including about $1.24 million in government grants. The organization co-published posts with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, calling for protests and stating, "Jail killer cops! Justice for Corey Ruiz! Dare to struggle, Dare to win!"
Freedom Inc. identified itself as the organizer of a protest where demonstrators climbed onto Madison City Hall and hung a banner reading "Arrest the Killer Cop." The group also accused Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of "sending armed militia to raid the memorial site." Freedom Inc.'s platform includes calls to "Abolish Police," defund police and ICE, and close jails and prisons.
Wider Network and Local Response
Freedom Inc.'s organizing also involved Fight Back! News, which highlighted individuals and organizations traveling to Madison to assist with on-the-ground organizing. Fight Back! News states that some of its staff are members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Freedom Inc. also collaborated with the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.
State Rep. Francesca Hong, who has advocated for "abolishing the police," appeared at the memorial site shortly after Ruiz's death, though she is not affiliated with the mentioned groups.
Madison resident Tom Beck expressed that city officials allowed the encampment to become established before dismantling it, calling the situation an "embarrassment." Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway defended the city's response, stating that officials had offered shelter and accommodations before clearing the encampment due to public safety concerns and the impact on local businesses.