A police officer in Madison, Wisconsin, fatally shot a man who injured him with a knife during a struggle, officials reported on Wednesday. The incident led to a significant protest at the state Capitol.
Cellphone footage of the event, capturing three gunshots, has been shared widely on social media. The video reveals several cars halted in an intersection as onlookers witnessed the situation unfold.
During a news conference, Madison Police Chief John Patterson stated that the deceased was in his 30s, but he did not disclose the man’s identity. Protesters, however, named him as Corey Ruiz, and this was supported by videos showing chants of his name. Wisconsin Right Now, referencing unnamed sources, also identified the man as Ruiz.
Patterson emphasized that the circulated video offers only one viewpoint, lacking a comprehensive account of the incident.
Details of the Madison Incident
According to Patterson, police responded to a report shortly before 1 p.m. about an individual attempting to enter parked vehicles. Upon arrival, officers tried to approach the man, but he escaped on a bicycle, moving through local backyards.
Officers caught up with him at Baldwin and Williamson streets around 1:30 p.m. Patterson explained that the man either fell off his bicycle or was removed by the officers, leading to a physical altercation in the intersection.
Patterson noted that during the struggle, the man drew a knife, injuring an officer. An officer attempted to use a Taser, but it failed. The injured officer then shot the man, who later succumbed to his wounds at the hospital. Police shared an image of the knife involved in a news release.
Patterson described the officer who fired as experienced but shared no further details about him or the deceased.
Black advocacy organizations in Madison reported that the victim was Black. Brandi Grayson, of Urban Triage, stated, “Today, Madison police shot a Black man at close range during a mental health crisis. Video shows him dead in the street, handcuffed, with officers on top.”
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation will lead an independent examination of the shooting due to police involvement, Patterson noted. The four officers at the scene will be on administrative leave as per the department’s policy.
This story is ongoing and further developments are anticipated.