A man was fatally shot by police in Madison, Wisconsin, on Wednesday after officers responded to reports of attempted car break-ins, sparking protests and calls for accountability. The incident, captured on bystander video, shows an officer firing multiple shots at close range while the suspect was restrained on the ground.
Video shows moments before fatal police shooting
The shooting occurred at the intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson Streets around 1:34 p.m. after officers pursued the suspect on foot. Police said the man, who was armed with a knife, resisted arrest during a "physical struggle."
Bystander footage shows officers attempting to subdue the man before one officer yells, "Taser, Taser, Taser," without deploying the weapon. Moments later, another officer drew his firearm and shot the suspect at close range. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Officials respond as protests erupt
The Madison Police Department said the officer who fired the shots is a "veteran" and acted after being injured by the suspect, who allegedly pulled a fixed-blade knife. A second officer was also injured, though police did not specify how. Both the victim’s name and the officers’ identities have not been released.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the state Capitol Wednesday evening, chanting "Arrest the cops!" and later interrupting a downtown concert. Democratic state Rep. Fran Hong, a gubernatorial candidate, called the shooting an "execution" during a vigil. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley both urged transparency in the investigation.
Investigation underway as officers placed on leave
The four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, per department policy. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is leading an independent probe. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes noted that officers do not wear body cameras, limiting available evidence to bystander footage.
Protests are expected to continue as community members demand answers. The investigation’s findings will determine whether criminal charges are filed against the officers involved.
