Hundreds rally in downtown Milwaukee, demonstrate solidarity with people of Ferguson, MO
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon, August 17th to stand in solidarity with the people of Ferguson, Missouri -- they're demanding justice for the police-involved shooting of Michael Brown.
The rally began at Red Arrow Park -- where police shot and killed 31-year-old Dontre Hamilton in April. Emotions poured out as the group gathered. Many there say what is happening in Ferguson has already happened in Milwaukee.
Families of several people involved in high-profile cases joined with about 200 people at the Sunday rally. The event was organized completely online -- and by word of mouth.
First to speak was Craig Stingley. His 16-year-old son was killed nearly two years ago in a West Allis convenience store. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office decided not to charge the men who held Corey down after they thought he had stolen some beer. Stingley says what is happening in Ferguson is only bringing back the raw emotions of what his family went through.
"I wish you could feel my pain, but I don't want you to," said Stingley. "I'm angry about it. Very angry."
Dontre Hamilton's family was also in attendance. After several speakers, the group marched down State St. to the District 1 police station.
The group, numbering around 75, then proceeded to a freeway off-ramp in the Marquette Interchange. It blocked the off-ramp for a time before the group headed back into downtown Milwaukee. At the intersection of Water and Wisconsin, the group (with members hand in hand) formed a circle around the intersection. Craig Stingley stood in the middle of that circle and gave an emotional speech to the group.
The group finished by walking past City Hall -- and ending back where they started, Red Arrow Park. Before the group ended its rally, they had one final prayer.
In total, the rally lasted for about four hours.
"What you saw was you was we deployed our officers to keep them safe. And preserve their rights," said Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn.
Police say they used restraint -- no arrests were made.
The group plans to hold another rally at Red Arrow Park on Friday, August 21st at 4 p.m.
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