State, local leaders and community organizations react to fatal shooting of Milwaukee police officer
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin state and local leaders are reacting following the fatal shooting of a Milwaukee police officer Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Officials say the shooting happened near 14th and Cleveland, when police were checking on a wanted suspect in connection with a robbery that happened Monday night. Upon arrival, a struggle ensued, and gunfire was exchanged with the suspect, identified as a 19-year-old Milwaukee man.
The officer, a 37-year-old man with MPD for four years, was killed.
The suspect was also pronounced deceased.
State and local leaders and community organizations are reacting to the tragic incident, sharing statements below.
Governor Tony Evers:
"Last night, a Milwaukee Police Department police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. Kathy and I are praying for the officer's family, colleagues, the department, and the entire city of Milwaukee mourning yet another tragic loss due to gun violence."
Attorney General Josh Kaul on Twitter:
"I am heartbroken and outraged by the loss of the Milwaukee police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice while working to apprehend a robbery suspect. My thoughts are with his family and his fellow officers."
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley:
“My most heartfelt condolences, and that of all Milwaukee County, go out to the family and loved ones of the officer who lost his life serving and protecting our community.
My thoughts are also with the entire Milwaukee Police Department in this difficult moment having lost one of their brothers.
As I have often said, as a community, we cannot sit idle. We must gather every resource available to address the gun violence plaguing our communities and prevent anything like this from happening again.
Today is a somber day for all of Milwaukee.”
Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez:
"I am angered and deeply saddened by the death earlier this morning of one of our officers during an incident that took place just blocks from my home in the 12th Aldermanic District.
My prayers are with the officer’s loved ones and friends, and with the men and women of the MPD who served with him.
In our city we have too many guns, too many who are willing to carry and use guns, and far too much violence affecting every neighborhood. The death of every citizen is a tragic loss for our city, but it is especially tragic when it's a police officer who has sworn an oath to protect and serve.
We as a city need to come together. We can and we must do better. This is up to all of us. Fathers and mothers, grandparents, pastors and priests, community activists. We need peace on our streets and an end to the violence."
State Senator Van Wanggaard:
“I woke up this morning, and my heart sank for Milwaukee and Wisconsin. I ask that everyone pray for the fallen officer and his family, the Milwaukee police, and the state. The murder of this officer, who was doing his small part to make Milwaukee safer, was senseless and preventable.
The truth is, until Milwaukee changes how it treats violence, how it punishes criminals, how it educates and supports its children, and how it budgets for public safety, these tragic, senseless and preventable attacks will continue. The question is when will the people of Milwaukee say: “Enough is enough! We’re tired of living in fear of the criminals ruling our streets. We want out city back!”
Milwaukee Brewers:
Forward Latino Inc.:
“Today we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Milwaukee Police Department Officer who gave his life this morning so that we could be safe. We also send our condolences to the men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Police Association. As we struggle to keep our children, our schools, our homes and our businesses safe, this morning we saw an officer, committed to achieving this goal, fall in the line of duty. We can only honor his sacrifice by coming together and working together to end the arc of violence.
Forward Latino encourages everyone throughout Milwaukee, to act on destructive behaviors whether it be in our homes, our neighborhoods, our workplaces or elsewhere, as these behaviors will only lead to more tragedy and loss. While we expect only the best out of each member of the Milwaukee Police Department, so must we expect the same out of ourselves.
Once again, our prayers and condolences for all touched by today’s tragic loss. God bless.”
Milwaukee Police Association:
Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office:
Please see the following statement from Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball regarding the @MilwaukeePolice officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty early this morning.
— Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office (@MilwCoSheriff) February 7, 2023
We honor his sacrifice and mourn his loss.#OfficerDown#EndOfWatch#RIPpic.twitter.com/c297MOpz7K
Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum:
"We are heartbroken and distraught that a Milwaukee police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty early this morning. The 37-year old police officer, whose name has yet to be released, gave his life protecting the people of our city. This heroism is what Milwaukee police officers do every day and we can never thank them enough. It is long overdue for needless gun violence to stop and for legislative action to take place on real gun safety measures. On this tragic day in Milwaukee our hearts and prayers are with the police officer’s family, friends and MPD colleagues."
Congresswoman Gwen Moore:
“I’m so heartbroken to learn about the police officer killed in the line of duty in our community.
This officer was selflessly doing their job and working to keep our community safe and tragically lost their life.
I send my deepest condolences and prayers to their family and loved ones.”