Protests erupt after Madison, Wis., police fatally shoot man in viral video

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating after an officer fatally shot a man during a confrontation that has drawn renewed calls for accountability.

A shooting by police in Madison, Wisconsin, sparked protests after cellphone footage of the fatal encounter spread widely online.

Officers were responding to reports that someone was checking vehicle doors and stealing bicycles in Madison’s Marquette neighborhood, The Washington Post reported. Police Chief John Patterson said the man rode away on a bicycle before officers confronted him near Williamson and South Baldwin streets.

Patterson said a struggle followed and the man produced a fixed-blade knife, injuring an officer. Another officer attempted to use a Taser, but it was unsuccessful. Police said the officer injured by the knife then fired three shots. The man was taken to a hospital, where he died. His name had not been officially released as of Thursday morning.

Urban Triage, an African American community advocacy group, said the man was Black and called attention to the shooting. Protesters marched to the Wisconsin State Capitol, held a vigil and interrupted an outdoor concert while demanding transparency and accountability.

Madison’s mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway released a statement on Wednesday night that read, in part: “I am angered and saddened by what happened today. My heart breaks for those who have lost a loved one, those who witnessed the shooting, and everyone impacted. There is real pain in our city right now. It’s an absolute tragedy when a member of our community is killed by anyone, but especially by the police. I understand the anger, grief, and fear people are feeling — because I am feeling that too. As a city, as a community, as a society, we need to do better.” The mayor’s statement goes on to question what could be done to prevent more police deaths while announcing an investigation into the unidentified man’s shooting by police.

All four officers involved were placed on administrative leave. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the inquiry. The Washington Post also reported that none of the officers wore body cameras because Madison patrol officers generally do not have them. Patterson said the cellphone recording circulating online captures only one perspective and that additional footage exists.

The Wisconsin police killing occurred on the same street where Madison police fatally shot 19-year-old Tony Robinson, who was biracial, in 2015. That case also prompted protests, and prosecutors later declined to charge the officer.

The new case also recalls the 2020 police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Video of that encounter spread nationally and sparked demonstrations over police violence and racial injustice.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers called for transparency and accountability, while Madison officials acknowledged the community’s demand for answers. A memorial formed near the scene as protesters pressed for the officer’s identity and a full explanation of what happened.