MADISON, Wisconsin — The family of Corey Ruiz is calling for criminal charges against the Madison police officer who fatally shot him after authorities say the officer was wounded with a knife during the encounter.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for representing the families of George Floyd and Michael Brown, made the demand Friday during an impassioned news conference held two days after the police shooting was captured on video.
Asked whether the officer should face charges, Crump pointed to the number of shots fired. “The way he shot him repeatedly? Yes,” he said.
Crump also warned that the city should not expect normalcy while the family presses for accountability, saying “there will be no peace and business as usual in Madison, Wisconsin” until police are held responsible.
Ruiz’s daughter, siblings and mother stood beside Crump as he spoke. At one point, his mother broke down in tears at the podium while supporters chanted, “Justice for Corey!”
“It’s the racist police background,” one person in the crowd shouted as emotions ran high.
State investigators have already opened a homicide investigation into Ruiz’s death. The shooting happened after officers attempted to arrest him on suspicion of breaking into vehicles in a popular neighborhood near the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Madison Police Chief John Patterson said Thursday that Ruiz did not comply even after officers used a Taser, then pulled a knife and injured an officer during the confrontation.
That police press conference devolved into chaos after one protestor took over the podium for an angry rant about racism, corruption, and “Zionists.”
Ruiz’s two sisters, brother, and daughter also gave remarks.
“No justice, no peace!” the crowd called as Ruiz’s daughter Kah’liyah Aliomar spoke.
“No racist police!” the girl shouted back
