A man was shot and killed by police near Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee where the Republican National Convention is being held. The Columbus Division of Police confirmed the shooting, stating that it occurred in the outer perimeter of the RNC, but does not seem to be related to the convention. The incident took place around 1 p.m. near 13th Street and West Vliet Street, approximately two miles from the Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman mentioned during a press conference that 13 uniformed Columbus police officers, from Ohio, were on bike patrol in their assigned zone when they encountered a subject armed with knives engaged in a confrontation with another individual. Despite repeated commands to drop the knives, the man refused and charged at the other person, leading the officers to use their firearms, resulting in the suspect being struck. Two knives were recovered from the scene.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that an adult male lost his life at the location of the shooting. No officers were injured during the altercation. The incident has sparked upset among residents, with some claiming to be friends or family of the deceased, questioning the circumstances of the shooting. Protesters at the RNC expressed anger upon learning that outside officers were involved in the shooting, criticizing the presence of out-of-town police in their community.
The Coalition to March on the RNC released a statement highlighting their disappointment in the situation, emphasizing that the Columbus Ohio Police Department, present at the protest, failed to uphold peacekeeping standards. They also criticized the Milwaukee Police Department for not keeping outside agencies away from the broader Milwaukee community, as promised.
The shooting occurred near King Park, leading to law enforcement cordoning off multiple blocks in the area. The RNC’s theme for the day was “Make America Safe Once Again,” and former President Donald Trump had emphasized the need to address crime in Milwaukee. The incident took place just two days after Trump survived an assassination attempt.
In summary, a fatal shooting by Columbus police officers occurred near the RNC perimeter in Milwaukee, resulting in the death of an adult male. The circumstances of the shooting have raised questions and caused unrest among residents and protesters in the area, who are critical of the presence of out-of-town officers. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and tensions surrounding law enforcement actions in communities hosting large-scale events like the Republican National Convention.
