Milwaukee Uprising: Violent Protests Erupt After Police Fatally Shoots Black Man
Protesters violently clashed with police in Milwaukee, Wisc., after a police officer shot and killed an armed suspect during a foot chase on Saturday (Aug. 14).
According to reports, demonstrators marched, threw bricks and burned down a gas station, a bank and other businesses during the chaos. Police said firefighters could not get close to the blaze because of gunshots that also erupted during the violent protest.
The uprising was prompted by the killing of a man who reportedly fled after being stopped by police earlier that day. During the foot pursuit, Police officers shot the man twice, once in the chest and another in the arm, killing him. Authorities said the 23-year-old Milwaukee man was carrying a semiautomatic handgun with 23 rounds in the ciip. Milwaukee is an open carry state. The officer that shot and killed the man has been placed on administrative leave.
At a press conference, Mayor Tom Barrett said the officer was wearing a body camera and his understanding was that the camera was operational during the incident.
Police also added that the suspect had a "lengthy arrest record," though the specific crimes were not detailed. The suspect was carrying a handgun taken in a March burglary and the owner reported that 500 rounds of ammunition also were stolen.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke has requested the mobilization of the National Guard following the unrest in Milwaukee.
As of Sunday morning (Aug. 14), cleanup was underway after a night of fire and violence.
In the wake of police shootings of civilians, particularly in the case of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, it's urgent that police and community relations commences so we won't have anymore tragic incidents like this.
Check out the photos from the aftermath of the Milwaukee uprising below.