Many in Milwaukee are still contemplating the death last week of Corey Durell Ruiz, 38, who was shot and killed by a Madison police officer. The shooting was captured on video, which was released to the public, and witnessed by several bystanders.
Madison Police Chief John Patterson has said officers were attempting to arrest Ruiz when he allegedly pulled a knife and injured an officer before he was shot several times.
The officer who fired the shots is an 11-year veteran of the force and has been placed on administrative leave. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is leading the investigation and conducting it as a homicide investigation, the protocol for officer-involved deaths in the state.
We talked to several Milwaukee residents and some organizations about how they felt about the shooting and what comes next? Here’s what they said.
‘Black and brown communities in Wisconsin deserve to be safe’
Name: Dr. Cassandra Bowers
Residence: Milwaukee
Occupation: Executive director, All In Wisconsin
“We face yet another stark reminder of the systemic threats to safety and justice that continue to plague us. We know safety is more than the absence of threats; it’s peace of mind, knowing that we belong, and the freedom to exist without being constantly seen as a threat. And we know that none of us are safe until all of us are safe. That’s why our communities gather even in the face of violence.
Black and brown communities in Wisconsin deserve to be safe. And the truth is that we aren’t, highlighting a critical need for systemic change across this state and across this nation. That means addressing and dismantling systemic biases within law enforcement – no exceptions. By prioritizing the safety of Black and brown communities, we affirm their dignity and humanity, paving the way for a Wisconsin where everyone can thrive without fear.
As we read the headlines carefully crafted to protect the advantaged, we must remember that justice is not a courtroom and that the systems we have inherited are not designed to protect us equally. It will take all of us to redefine what justice is – or what it should be. Together, we can build community-based approaches that address harm, prioritize restoration and ensure safety, accountability and compassion.
That has to start right now. Not after an election. Not after another name is added to the long list of those killed by violent policing. As our state holds its collective breath in the face of brutality, my advice is to check on your people. Remind each other that we have one another. And that together we can work towards a state – and a world – where safety, justice and compassion prevail. These are not privileges. These are our rights.”
‘A fair and credible process requires that conclusions follow the evidence—not precede it’
Organization: Wisconsin Professional Police Association
The Wisconsin Professional Police Association recognizes the seriousness of the July 22 officer-involved shooting in Madison and the profound impact that incidents of this nature have on the community, the individuals involved, and their families.
An independent investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding what occurred. Public recordings may capture only a portion or one perspective of a rapidly unfolding event, and the use of deadly force must be evaluated based on the totality of the circumstances and all available evidence, including witness accounts, physical and forensic evidence, and available video. A fair and credible process requires that conclusions follow the evidence—not precede it.
We also recognize that significant information about the events leading up to and surrounding this incident has not yet been made public. The public has a legitimate interest in seeing and understanding the evidence that may provide a fuller picture of what occurred, and we hope that relevant factual information can be made available as soon as reasonably appropriate, consistent with the integrity of the independent investigation.
We respect the right of people to peacefully express their concerns, demand answers, and call for accountability. At the same time, language suggesting that police officers deserve violence or death is deeply troubling and has no place in a constructive discussion about this incident.
The WPPA is providing legal representation and support to our members involved in this incident, and we will ensure that their rights are protected throughout this process. We respect the integrity of the independent investigation and believe that our members, the family of the deceased, and the public all deserve a complete and objective accounting of what occurred.
‘Less than human’
Name: Gina Sánchez
Age: 43
Residence: Airport Gardens
Occupation: Tech support
“I was just as bothered by this as I am by the other shows of force. I remain just as bothered. I feel like our law enforcement has grown to see human beings as less than human. They don’t see someone’s family member – they see a bug that they want to squash. I don’t agree that someone should pull a weapon, but I also don’t agree that the punishment is immediately death.”
‘Cold case of police brutality’
Name: Tyleah Holden Washington
Age: 16
Residence: Milwaukee
Occupation: Explorer with Wild Indigo, Audubon Great Lakes
“I think this case is another cold case of police brutality. I believe there was no reasoning for guns to be pulled out. Personally, this is so disheartening to even still see it occur. We’ve been fighting for our rights and our people’s unjustified deaths for years now and it seems like nothing has changed. It makes it so hard for people with our skin tone to trust any law enforcement. Moving forward I believe that the officer should be arrested and Corey should receive justice.”
‘Difficult split second consequential decisions’
Organization: Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police
“Officers are frequently required to make difficult split second consequential decisions in rapidly evolving and dangerous circumstances, often with limited information and under extraordinary pressure. At the same time, the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police is not making any judgment regarding the validity, legality or justification of the force used in this specific incident.”
‘Corey Ruiz’s death was preventable’
Name: Angela Lang
Age: 37
Residence: Milwaukee
Occupation: Co-executive director of Black Leaders Organizing for Communities
“Corey Ruiz’s death was preventable. Preventable with policy that is continuously proposed that goes nowhere, and preventable if people saw the humanity in Black and Brown people. We’ve seen viral videos of white men chasing and being aggressive towards police and those interactions do not lead to brutality or death. For these murders at the hands of police to stop, our elected leaders need to wake up and demand accountability.”
‘We live in a police state’
Name: Erika Hale
Age: 59
Residence: Bay View
Occupation: Retired
“Unfortunately, we live in a police state where the laws are governed to protect the police. No matter what crime he committed, which word was he was checking car doors and stealing a bike, that doesn’t warrant three bullets in the head. We have all of these white cops in the Black community but no Black cops in the white community – do the math, people. None of this is by accident. It’s all by design.”
‘Senseless police-involved shooting’
Name: Bryan Winters
Age: 44
Residence: Sherman Park
Occupation: Teammate support strategist
“Another senseless police-involved shooting. I believe there were multiple missed opportunities to get Corey the proper mental health treatment that was missed by the community and the justice system. I believe that the community and law enforcement need stronger relationships. That whole dynamic is just off.”
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
