Milwaukee, July 17 – The Coalition to March on the RNC entirely condemns the Columbus, Ohio, Police shooting of Samuel Sharpe. For years, the Coalition has warned city officials of the dangers of bringing 4500 police officers from outside of our state. The Coalition has warned City officials about the dangers of suspending community won Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 575, which allows for the public to see police footage of critical incidents within 15 days and for the next of kin in 48 hours. The Coalition has warned City officials of the dangers of not doing background checks on all 4500 police officers that are coming to invade our city. How many murderers are in the midst of those 4500 police officers?
It is notable that the Columbus, Ohio, Police Department was present at our protest, putting themselves out there as supposed peacekeepers. It feels obvious to say that killing people, carrying weapons, is not a part of peacekeeping. It is also notable that the Milwaukee Police Department said they would keep outside agencies away from the broader Milwaukee community, which they failed to do.
The incident today is something that was predicted by Black and brown communities since the RNC was announced for Milwaukee; it is painful to say that these predictions came true. At the site of the shooting, Black Milwaukee teens who witnessed the shooting said they couldn’t even play in the park anymore, that they felt too afraid, and that they would stay at home. This is nauseating to anyone of conscience and, unfortunately, business as usual for the racist and reactionary Republicans.
Ultimately, this is the kind of environment that is brought to our city by the Republicans. Racist policing, racist killings and violence. Outside agencies have no business in our Black and brown communities, and we will firmly stand against it. Members of our coalition will be attending a vigil hosted by the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression at 8 PM tonight on 17th and Vliet.