Milwaukee Mayor, Police Chief Call For Release Of Shooting Footage, Outline Continued Unrest

Monday morning Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn and Mayor Tom Barrett addressed the press regarding the continued unrest Milwaukee’s north side Sherman Park neighborhood experienced through late Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Flynn also reiterated that Sylville Smith, the man killed by police Saturday afternoon, was holding a gun when officers fired their weapons, despite Smith family members’ assertions to the contrary.

Flynn and Barrett said they want the public to see a video reportedly showing the shooting.

Flynn said he’s seen the recording, which came from the body camera worn by the 24 year-old Milwaukee officer who says he shot Smith while pursuing him on foot.

But the State Justice Department has the video while reviewing the shooting, according to Flynn, so releasing it may take time.

“This thing has to be methodical,” he said. “Obviously pieces of the investigation will come out somewhat disconnected from each other. But I’m confident that when the total picture is told, we’ll see it’s consistent with our understanding of what occurred.”

Barrett said he’d also like people to see a still image taken from the video. A Justice Department spokesperson said the agency is, “working expeditiously, and within the law, to give people a transparent view of the events” of last Saturday.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, whose district includes Milwaukee, issued a statement about the unrest and the investigation into Smith’s death.

From Moore’s press release:

“I share the frustration of my constituents who feel they live in a city where justice is only afforded to some and not all. I also share the frustration of our local police officers who are desperately trying to uphold public safety in what they perceive as a caustic climate. We must find a way to strike a balance where we can peacefully point out the racial inequities in our society while recognizing the valuable role police play in our community.”

Recapping the unrest that continued Sunday night, Flynn said that while damage was less extensive and the crowds of demonstrators smaller, four police officers and four Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office deputies were injured by rocks and other objects thrown by protesters. One 18-year old male civilian suffered a single gunshot wound to the neck in the course of the protests and police transported him to the hospital where he is still being treated. The teen’s injuries are not life threatening.

Flynn reported the city’s Shotspotter system was activated 30 times in the area surrounding the protests. There was also a vehicle fire, several dumpster fires and an armored vehicle of department’s was hit with two gunshots to the windshield.

Officers came under fire Sunday but did not return fire, Flynn said.

The press conference was held following a new recruit induction ceremony for the police department.

Barrett praised the department’s efforts through Sunday night for preventing injuries to civilians in the neighborhood.

The Mayor said the city’s existing 10 p.m. curfew for teenagers will be strictly enforced Monday night and the city is examining options for a broader curfew if necessary. Barrett spoke about his own time living in Sherman Park and the strong roots many families have in the neighborhood. He decried the unrest he said was spurred by outsiders.

“The fact that there are angry people who want to cause problems is not something we’ll tolerate,” he said.

Barrett called on the city’s young people not to use Sherman Park as a place for gawking and taking pictures.

Flynn said the streets were relatively peaceful through about 11:30 p.m. Sunday until a group from Chicago began marching and agitating.

Barrett praised pastors and community group leaders who are engaged in trying to keep the peace, saying they are making the situation better. City leaders have called on members of Milwaukee’s faith community to continue to help calm the unrest that’s damaged the north side neighborhood.

Members of Milwaukee Inner City Congregations Allied for Hope and other representatives of the faith community have gone to the neighborhood to try to tamp down violence Flynn said.

Flynn said Saturday wasn’t the first time the department has used deadly force and the disturbances that followed can’t be pinned solely on anger over the shooting.

Studies of civil disorder across the country going back 50 years show, “the flash point for that unrest is often police action, but the causes are much deeper,” Flynn said.

Police are a symbol of government because they are most active public servants in distressed communities, Flynn said. Officers are called on to address broader societal issues than crime and public safety, which makes policing vital to those communities, but also volatile.

Eleven men and three women, all from Milwaukee, were arrested Sunday on charges of disorderly conduct.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional reporting from Wisconsin Public Radio.