MLK Gathering Recognizes Families Of Those Who Have Been Killed By Police

Mother Of Dontre Hamilton Speaks At Event In Milwaukee Church

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Above, Maria Hamilton speaks at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. Photo: Chuck Quirmbach/WPR.

A Martin Luther King Jr. Day gathering in Milwaukee on Monday recognized families that have had a loved one killed by police.

Maria Hamilton is the mother of Dontre Hamilton, who was shot to death by a Milwaukee police officer last April. Maria Hamilton told hundreds of people at a Milwaukee church that she appreciates their support.

“You all are here today because you care,” said Hamilton. “You could have been anywhere else in the United States on Martin Luther King’s birthday. What better gift can we give to Martin than to unite?”

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Hamilton thanked U.S. Attorney James Santelle, who was in the audience, for helping start a federal review of her son’s death at the hands of now-fired Milwaukee police officer Christopher Manney.

The Martin Luther King Justice Coalition read the names of 17 people that the group says were unfairly killed by Milwaukee police over the last six decades.