RNC Incident
Ohio officers shot and killed man near RNC venue in Milwaukee
Shooting happened near 14th and Vliets streets in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE, WI — A police officer from Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed a man Tuesday afternoon near the Republican National Convention (RNC) venue in Milwaukee. The incident occurred around 14th and Vliet streets, approximately one mile from the Fiserv Forum, the main venue for the RNC.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that an adult male was killed at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. The deceased was identified by local residents as a well-known figure in the neighborhood, living in a nearby homeless encampment and known by the nickname "Jehovah."
Witnesses reported that the shooting followed an altercation between two men in King Park. According to these witnesses, one of the men pulled out a knife, prompting a significant police response. Multiple officers reportedly fired their weapons, resulting in the man's death. However, this account has not yet been confirmed by police.
Another set of witnesses provided a different narrative, stating that the man was simply trying to cross the street when he was shot in the back by police officers. They claimed to have heard six or seven shots fired from multiple officers.
The scene was heavily secured, with a large police presence including the U.S. Secret Service. The police line was expanded to 17th and Vliet streets as the investigation continued. Milwaukee police are leading the investigation, with assistance from federal authorities.
Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capitol City Lodge No. 9, confirmed that Columbus police were involved in the shooting and stated that no officers were injured. This incident marks the eighth time this year that Columbus police have been involved in a shooting.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who was at the RNC, stated that he was being briefed on the situation. The incident does not appear to be related to the RNC itself, although the proximity to the event has heightened tensions.
Aurelia Ceja of the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression criticized the involvement of out-of-state police in local matters. "It is unacceptable that officers from outside our community are involved in such a tragic incident," she said.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm was also present at the scene. Typically, either Chisholm or a top deputy responds in person to scenes of officer-involved shootings. The investigation is expected to be thorough, given the high-profile nature of the event and the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies.
The Republican National Convention has drawn thousands of police officers from various jurisdictions to Milwaukee. According to city officials, around 4,000 officers from outside Milwaukee are assisting with security. These officers are supposed to follow Milwaukee Police Department's standard operating procedures on use of force, crowd control, and rules of engagement.
The incident has sparked a debate on the use of out-of-state officers for local events and the protocols they follow. Under the mutual aid agreement, any disciplinary matters involving outside officers are referred to their home agencies. However, if a matter rises to the level of probable cause for a crime, it is referred directly to the Milwaukee Police Department or an external law enforcement agency.
As the investigation continues, Milwaukee residents and officials are calling for transparency and accountability. The community is particularly concerned about the protocols followed by the out-of-state officers and the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting.
The Milwaukee Police Department has promised a comprehensive investigation and is expected to release more details in the coming days. The incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the RNC, highlighting the ongoing issues of police use of force and community relations.