Milwaukee officials call for end to ‘outrageous’ street takeovers

Milwaukee officials are pledging to crack down on those involved in “street takeovers” characterized by reckless driving after a wave of the events over Labor Day weekend.

The events involve large groups blocking off streets to watch drivers perform dangerous stunts. Following the Labor Day weekend takeovers, Milwaukee police arrested three people and issued 26 citations. Social media videos showed drivers doing doughnuts around a ring of fire, popping wheelies and lighting fireworks as dozens of onlookers watched. 

Milwaukee County District Attorney Kent Lovern said his office would “zealously” prosecute individuals involved in takeovers to the fullest extent of the law. 

“There are a range of charges that could potentially apply to those who engage in the driving behavior as well as those who insist on egging on this type of activity,” Lovern said. “And we won’t hesitate to apply the appropriate charge in the appropriate situation.”

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson highlighted the danger of participating in these takeovers.

“It’s not smart,” Johnson said. “It just really isn’t. Somebody’s going to end up hurt. Somebody’s going to end up dead because of these activities.”

Street takeovers are not unique to Milwaukee. They have been popular in cities across the country for many years. In Dec. 2024, a teen boy was killed after a rollover crash during a takeover in Portland, Oregon. Police said the driver was doing donuts causing the car to flip over. 

Individuals living in neighborhoods where takeovers occur have expressed their concern with the noisy and dangerous disturbances. 

“No one in any neighborhood in our community should put up with the type of activity that we’re talking about here today,” Lovern said. “No one should have to see it. No one should have to listen to it. No one should have to worry about it.”

The Friday press conference comes after the head of Milwaukee’s police union said he would ask President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops to Milwaukee in response to crime in the city including street takeovers. Republican candidates for governor Bill Berrien and Josh Schoemann also said they support deploying troops to the city.

This comes after Trump deployed troops in Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Trump cited a rise in violence despite crime being down in the city.

A federal judge this week ruled that the deployment in Los Angeles was illegal. Gov. Tony Evers has said deployments to address crime is an inappropriate use of National Guard and that “we can handle this ourselves in the state of Wisconsin.”

At Friday’s press conference, Johnson echoed that view.

“I don’t want to see the National Guard misused in the way that’s been happening in the national context,” Johnson said. “I don’t want Milwaukee contributing to that.”

Members of the Milwaukee police union on Friday protested outside of City Hall as that union is seeking a new contract. Counterprotesters also picketed, calling for cuts to police funding.