No arrests as large group of Dontre Hamilton supporters make their way to BMO Harris Bradley Center
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- In the wake of a decision by Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm not to charge former Milwaukee Police Officer Christopher Manney in the shooting death of Dontre Hamilton in downtown Milwaukee's Red Arrow Park, Dontre Hamilton supporters gathered again Tuesday evening, December 23rd.
The group continues to call for justice in Dontre Hamilton's death, and spread the message that black lives matter. This, as the United States Attorney has announced the United States Department of Justice will undertake a federal review of the case to determine if, under federal civil rights law, there is a basis, both legal and factual, upon which a federal civil rights prosecution may be premised. This review will be conducted by the FBI, the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the Civil Rights Division.
In addition to the federal review, Hamilton's family's attorney Jonathan Safran tells FOX6 News the family would like to see the Fire and Police Commission uphold Manney's firing, and a "patterns and practices" investigation into the Milwaukee Police Department.
Hamilton's mother, Maria Hamilton told CNN she thinks Manney was an overzealous cop who got away with murder.
"It's not just about Dontre and Milwaukee. It's about all the lives that has been taken. We hurt. We work to live in the community that we live in and our system has failed us. We actually pay their salaries to protect us. To serve us. To make us feel safe. It's a slap in the face to our community. No mother should have to lose her child to something this tragic," Maria Hamilton said.
On Friday, December 19th, demonstrators made their way to I-43 -- causing traffic delays during rush hour. 74 protesters were arrested.
Nothing like that occurred on Monday, when the District Attorney handed down his decision, but just in case, Governor Scott Walker has the National Guard on standby. If utilized, the National Guard would support local law enforcement officials.
On Tuesday evening, a group of demonstrators (the largest group FOX6 has seen thus far) met at Red Arrow Park at 5:00 p.m., where Dontre Hamilton's brother, Nate delivered remarks to the crowd.
"We really care about this city. Everybody out here cares about this city -- so tearing it down is not going to help -- but we have to rebuild," Nate Hamilton said.
Then, the group began marching.
Making their way through city streets, demonstrators chanted for justice for Dontre, and to "recall Chisholm."
This, as Milwaukee police issued this message on Twitter:
The group then made their way to the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Milwaukee Bucks had a 7:00 p.m. tipoff vs. the Charlotte Hornets.
A FOX6 News crew monitoring the demonstration reports the protesters planned to make a human chain around the perimeter of the Bradley Center as fans showed up for the game.
"It's America. It's what we gotta do. I brought my kids through so they could see it," a Bucks fan said.
At the BMO Harris Bradley Center, demonstrators were met by Milwaukee police.
Protesters blocked entrances as Bucks fans tried to get inside. A few disappointed fans tried getting inside anyway, and that led to some shoving. Police officers mounted on horses were called out to the scene.
Eventually, as fans filed in for the game, protesters sat down. Police officers blocked the doors and helped fans enter. As protesters moved, the line of police officers grew tighter.
A FOX6 News crew at the scene saw Jimmy Gray tearing up his Bucks tickets -- not because he was upset he couldn't get into the BMO Harris Bradley Center, but because he had chosen instead to join the demonstration and teach his grandchildren a lesson.
"Basketball games don't mean diddly. This is more important. A black life is important. A white life is important. Live period is important," Gray said.
Not all agreed with the decision to demonstrate at the Bradley Center, with one fan telling FOX6 News it'll be a long time before he comes downtown again.
Back on the street, demonstrators linked arms, temporarily shutting down Fourth Street.
Protesters made their way back to Red Arrow park around 7:30 p.m.
Addressing the crowd at Red Arrow Park was Craig Stingley, the father of Corey Stingley.
16-year-old Corey Stingley died in December 2012 after he was restrained at a West Allis convenience store. The Milwaukee County District Attorney later announced no charges would be filed against the three men who restrained Corey Stingley.
The Milwaukee Police Department issued this statement on Tuesday evening's demonstration:
"Tonight the Milwaukee Police Department again facilitated a walk of a group of demonstrators through downtown streets. When group tried to restrict access of ticket holders to Bradley Center, we ensured their admittance w/o making any arrests. After a short demonstration at the Bradley Center, the group returned to Red Arrow Park where their walk began."
Nate Hamilton tells FOX6 News Jesse Jackson has reached out to the Coalition for Justice, the group that's been organizing the protests in Dontre Hamilton's honor. We're told Jackson wants the Coalition for Justice members to come down to Chicago this weekend for a Rainbow/PUSH event. Rainbow/PUSH is a non-profit organization formed as a merger of two non-profit organizations founded by Jesse Jackson — Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition. The organizations pursue social justice, civil rights and political activism.
Nate Hamilton says he and the Coalition for Justice are working out details.
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