Madison police shoot, kill Black man armed with knife, sparking protest

Madison police shot and killed a Black man armed with a knife on July 22 in the middle of a city street as onlookers recorded now-viral videos.

The shooting, which took place at about 1 p.m. near Williamson and South Baldwin streets, has resulted in protests at the State Capitol, shutting down an event planned there. 

Madison Police Chief John Patterson said at a news conference July 22 that the officer who fired the fatal shots was also injured in the altercation, which involved four police officers and one young man, who has been identified by officials as 38-year-old Corey Ruiz.

Ruiz was a father and also homeless, officials said. 

The clearest video, recorded by Michael Doubek, shows four officers in a struggle with Ruiz. It’s only seconds into the video when one officer decides to unload multiple rounds at point-blank range, killing Ruiz.  

At first, one officer yells, “He’s got a knife!,” and another yells, “Taser, Taser, Taser.” But then suddenly, one officer fired three rounds into Ruiz at or near the head. A woman can be heard screaming shortly thereafter. 

Patterson said police responded for calls about a person checking parked vehicles and stealing bikes. Ruiz fled when officers arrived, but they later reached him at Williamson Street, Patterson said. 

There is no available bodycam footage from the incident as Madison frontline police officers do not wear them. 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating the incident. 

Vigils and protests have consumed Madison in the hours since. 

Gov. Tony Evers said he was briefed on the incident.

“There must be transparency and accountability in any investigation moving forward,” he said.

“We will continue to keep the loved ones and family of the individual who was killed in our hearts and prayers. His life mattered.

“As folks exercise their First Amendment rights tonight and in the days ahead, we urge them to do so peacefully and respectfully.”