Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has called for transparency and accountability following the fatal police shooting of a man who injured an officer with a knife while resisting arrest in Madison.
Protesters gathered in Madison following the shooting, holding a candlelight vigil and establishing a growing memorial for the man who died. Some community members, like pastor Ben Weger, vowed to remain at the site to "hold this space."
Cellphone video of the incident circulated on social media, showing three gunshots. Madison Police Chief John Patterson stated at a news conference that the online footage represented only one perspective of the event. He offered his condolences to the deceased man's family, whose name had not yet been released but was described as being in his 30s.
According to Patterson, officers responded to calls about an individual attempting to enter parked vehicles. The suspect fled on a bicycle before officers intercepted him. During a struggle, the suspect produced a knife, injuring an officer. A taser deployed by the officer was unsuccessful. The same officer then fired his weapon, and the man later died at a hospital. Patterson identified the officer who fired as a veteran but provided no further details. Another officer sustained an injury, though the method was not specified.
The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation will lead the investigation into the shooting. The four officers involved will be placed on administrative leave.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway acknowledged the public's desire for immediate answers, stating, "There are questions that must be answered."
The shooting occurred in a neighborhood less than two miles from the state Capitol, an area with businesses and residences. Footage depicted numerous stopped cars and onlookers present during the confrontation.
This incident has drawn parallels to the 2015 police shooting of Tony Robinson, a biracial man, on the same street. The district attorney at the time determined that shooting was justified, and no charges were filed against the officer.
While the race of the officer who fired and the man killed were not released by police, Black advocacy groups in Madison quickly voiced their concerns. Brandi Grayson, head of Urban Triage, stated, "Another Black man is dead on a Madison street, and our community watched him die before we even knew his name."
Political figures also reacted to the event. Francesca Hong, a candidate for governor, expressed horror and devastation, having visited the scene near her campaign office. County Executive David Crowley remarked that the reports were "painfully reminiscent of the tragedies we have witnessed in Kenosha, Minneapolis, and far too many communities across our country."
A crowd gathered near the shooting site, chanting for accountability and placing flowers and candles. Protesters also marched to the state Capitol, interrupting a summer concert series to demand the officer's name and accountability. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra canceled the event in response.