🗣️ Local leaders react to police killing

Officials and Community React To Police Killing

The police killing of a man on Wednesday afternoon on South Baldwin and Williamson streets have left many upset and frustrated with the Madison Police Department’s conduct. In a Wednesday press conference, Madison Police Chief John Patterson said the man entered a physical altercation with four police officers and reportedly had a knife that injured an officer. The man was tasered, which Patternson said was not effective, and according to bystander videos, three seconds after he was tasered an officer shot the man three times.

Community protests were held Wednesday night as the community absorbed this news. Originally a community listening session was set to be held on Thursday night, but it was postponed to accommodate a vigil that was scheduled at the same time. Madison Public Market also postponed their grand opening, which was set for Thursday evening. Another protest is planned for today at 6 p.m. on the corner of Williamson and Baldwin streets. [ 🎧 City Cast Madison, News 3, Instagram]

What are Local Politicians Reactions?

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway released a statement saying she was “angered and saddened” by the killing and that “as a city, as a community, as a society, we need to do better.”

In a press release, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said “A family is grieving an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with them, with everyone affected by this tragedy, and with the bystanders and emergency personnel who responded to an incredibly difficult situation.” She said the public deserved “a full accounting of what occurred, and everyone involved deserves a process guided by facts, evidence, and accountability.”

Common Council President Sabrina Madison also released a statement on Wednesday.

“Like many of you, I have now seen the videos circulating on social media of today's officer involved shooting on the east side of Madison. Straight up, these videos are very difficult to watch. They are both disturbing and painful,” she said. I've received several calls from alders with questions and what I can say without a doubt is that I expect a full, comprehensive, and transparent independent investigation into today's shooting of a community member.”

At a press conference Thursday, Rhodes-Conway identified the man who was killed as Corey Ruiz. While she said that he was in his 30s, she did not specific his exact age or date of birth. Rhodes-Conway also pledged that funding for body-worn cameras for Madison police officers will be part of her next executive budget.

Thursday's press conference was disrupted by protesters, one of whom identified himself as Carlos Dixon. Dixon seized the microphone during the conference for a few minutes and demanded immediate charges against the officer. [City of Madison, Dane County, News 3, TMJ]

🗳️ Hong Leads in Polls: In recent polling from Marquette Law School Rep. Francesca Hong is leading among Democratic primary voters in the gubernatorial race. On today’s City Cast Madison podcast, the team talks through the polling, which was taken before Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out of the race, but after her campaign's financial issues were revealed. Milwaukee Executive David Crowley’s reentry into the race had also not been announced. New polling is being conducted. [🎧 City Cast Madison]

🚜 Edgewood Stadium Changes Are a Go: After a nearly decade-long fight, Madison’s Plan Commission approved additions to the athletic facility at Edgewood High School including a new sound system. This comes after the high school’s initial proposal in 2018, which included additional lighting and amplified sound, went to court after the High School’s neighbors opposed the changes. [Cap Times]

💉 Madison Biotech Company Data Leak: Exact Sciences, which best known for its at home colorectal cancer screening tests, was targeted in a cyber attack by the hacker extortion group ShinyHunter. The group threatened to publish 30 million rows of customer data, including contact information, names, dates of birth, and 1 million Social Security numbers. [🔒Wisconsin State Journal]

This week’s Friday Floof is Tormund. According to his owner Ben K. he loves to be booped, and especially loves eating and hanging out with ”da boyz.” What a relatable fellow! He also has his own unique way of communicating with his person, according to Ben, “If anyone lays on his cat bag, it is an agreed upon gesture for pets.” Seems like these two really get each other!

Do you and your pet have cool ways of telling each other things? Share with us!