Madison police officer fatally shoots 19-year-old man, sparking protests
MADISON (WITI) -- Protests erupted in Wisconsin's capital overnight after a police officer fatally shot an unarmed man whom authorities said attacked him.
19-year-old Anthony Robinson was shot and killed after police say there was an altercation between him and officer Matt Kenny Friday evening, March 6th.
Officer Matt Kenny
Madison police say the officer was called to the home following reports of a man walking in traffic and hitting pedestrians.
Authorities say officer Matt Kenny followed Robinson to a nearby home. Police say there was an altercation.
Tony Robinson
During the fight, the officer shot and killed Robinson.
"I want to be very transparent. He was unarmed and that's going to make this all the more complicated for the investigators, for the public to accept, to understand and to wait patiently for what other circumstances, if any were there that were attended to this scene, such that deadly force had to be used," said Chief Koval.
Shortly after the shooting, Robinson's mother spoke to the media, saying her son was not violent.
"My son has never been a violent person, never. And to die in such a violent, violent way is, it baffles me. To turn around and have him die of the same things he was so fearful of, it's not, it's not fair. It's not right," said Andrea Irwin, Tony Robinson's mom.
Robinson's family says they want the public to be aware, but not violent. Madison's police chief echoes calls for calm.
"Folks are angry, resent, mistrustful, disappointed, shocked, chagrined and any other adjectives you care to use surrounding the circumstances of this tragic death," said Chief Koval.
Kenny has been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations and the Dane County District Attorney are reviewing the case.
Officer Kenny has more than 12 years experience with the Madison Police Department. He was involved in a previous fatal officer involved shooting in 2007.
The police chief described it as 'a suicide by cop' situation and he was cleared of any wrongdoing.