WI Gov. Candidate Brett Hulsey Calls for Grieving, Peace, Information to Get Truth and Justice in Wake of Man’s Death in Officer-Involved Shooting

Madison, WI—Former State Representative, affordable housing provider, carpenter and Democratic write-in governor candidate Brett Hulsey made this statement on the officer-involved shooting and death yesterday of Corey Ruiz, a young Black man in Madison:

“Yesterday I saw videos of a Madison police officer shooting Corey Ruiz on Williamson Street in Madison. The images were very disturbing and made me sad and angry. My heart goes out to his family, friends and our community again torn apart by gun killings. We need time to grieve, promote peace, and assemble information to get the truth and justice in the shooting.

Having lived in Madison for years, these gun killings happen too often, like the police shooting of Tony Robinson and others. Working in the South and Alaska, I saw too many officer-involved shootings, often with Black and Native victims. My faith teaches me that every life matters and ‘Thou shalt not kill.’

Last night, I attended a vigil on the site with many others who were grieving, sad, and angry.  Protestors used a bullhorn to shut down the Concert on the Square at the Madison Capitol, Channel 3 reported.

Governor Evers, Madison Mayor Rhodes-Conway and Police Chief Patterson all expressed their regret and concern, and Madison is planning a public meeting soon. The officers involved are on admin. leave.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that the police were attempting to question the man allegedly stealing bikes and checking for unlocked cars, he then fled, resisted arrest, drew a knife, and injured two of the officers. The police said they tried a less violent Taser that did not work.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said the WI Department of Justice will conduct an independent officer-involved shooting investigation with Madison police and other agencies and forward that information to the Dane County District Attorney Ishmael Osan for action. To help get justice and find the truth, witnessed the shooting, and/or have video, please comment at the WI Department of Justice.

Police officers work day and night to keep us safe. Working with many officers in my 16 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly and Dane County Board, this is hard on them as community members too.

While protesting, we should honor our Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and protest and not hurt more people, our community and businesses.  Call the #988 hotline if you need help to talk with someone.

Peace be with you and let’s work together to create more peace and justice in Wisconsin and prevent these senseless deaths.”