Fatal Shooting Occurs Near Convention Site Amid Increased Security in Milwaukee
On July 16, 2024, five police officers from Columbus, Ohio, fatally shot a 43-year-old man in Milwaukee’s King Park neighborhood after he charged at another person while wielding two knives. The incident occurred approximately 1.7 kilometers from the Fiserv Forum, the venue hosting the Republican National Convention. The officers, part of a larger security presence brought to the city for the event, were patrolling the area when they witnessed the attack and responded by firing shots.
The officers had been assigned to assist with security during the convention, which is drawing thousands of attendees. Body camera footage released by authorities shows the officers running towards the scene of the attack and repeatedly shouting at the man to drop the knives. When he failed to comply, they fired, and he fell to the ground.
Chief Jeffrey B. Norman of the Milwaukee Police Department emphasized that the officers acted to save someone’s life, stating that the man was clearly a danger to others. Two knives were recovered from the scene. The identity of the man has not been released, but he was a local resident.
This shooting highlights ongoing concerns about public safety in the area. The King Park neighborhood, known for its homeless encampment, has been a hotspot for police activity. Alderman Robert Bauman questioned the appropriateness of out-of-town officers patrolling residential areas, suggesting that local police would have been more familiar with the dynamics of the neighborhood.
Despite this incident, the Republican National Convention has seen relatively few arrests, with law enforcement focused on maintaining order and protecting attendees. The shooting, however, has raised questions about the role of external security forces in managing local crime during large political events.
The investigation into the shooting will be led by officers from Greenfield, Wisconsin, with the Columbus officers cooperating with authorities.
