Police shooting brings one of America’s most liberal cities to a standstill

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A fatal police shooting has rocked Madison, Wisconsin’s liberal capital, reigniting long-running tensions over race and policing while forcing the cancellation of some of the city’s biggest summer events.

Corey Ruiz, identified as Black or Latino in Wisconsin court records, was fatally shot by a Madison police officer Wednesday after a brief struggle near a longtime food co-op in one of the city’s most progressive neighborhoods.

The shooting marks the third fatal police shooting in the neighborhood since 2012 and has renewed calls for police reform in the city, which is about 70% white.

Mourners gather at a memorial for Corey Ruiz in Madison (Reuters)

Protesters filled the streets within hours, disrupting the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s popular Concerts on the Square at the state Capitol, an event that typically draws about 30,000 people. Organizers canceled the concert after demonstrators confronted attendees.

The fallout quickly spread across the city. Madison postponed the opening of a new public market, while organizers canceled the annual AtwoodFest over expected protests.

“Our community has spoken loud and clear: this is NOT business as usual,” Black activist Clyde Mayberry wrote on Facebook. “Your decisions have helped ensure that this city continues to acknowledge the pain, the loss, and the call for accountability.”

A mourner holds up a sign at a memorial for Corey Ruiz at the site where he was shot and killed by police on July 22, in Madison (Reuters)

AtwoodFest organizers said they canceled the event because the community was experiencing “deep pain and justified anger” after another officer-involved shooting.

The city’s popular downtown farmers market also closed nearly four hours early Saturday in solidarity with protesters.

“We mourn with our community,” organizers said on social media. “And we agree — business cannot proceed as usual.”

Corey Ruiz, who is identified as Black or Latino in Wisconsin court records, was shot and killed by a Madison police officer on Wednesday (Reuters)

The shooting remains under investigation. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Ruiz’s family, said Friday the officer who fired the shots should face criminal charges.

Madison Police Chief John Patterson has urged calm amid the unrest. During a news conference Thursday, protesters interrupted the event, confronted Patterson and held signs criticizing police. After one demonstrator insulted him, Patterson replied, “I appreciate you being here.”

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