Madison mayor says D.A.'s decision "closes one chapter" in Robinson tragedy, but it's not the last word
MADISON (WITI) -- Madison Mayor Paul Soglin held a news conference on Wednesday morning, May 13th to address the decision on charging in the Tony Robinson case.
On Tuesday, May 12th, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said he wouldn’t charge Madison Officer Matt Kenny in 19-year-old Tony Robinson’s death because he believes the shooting was justified.
Mayor Soglin in his statement Wednesday morning said the following:
"This is an outcome that many did not want. It is an outcome that many in our communities support. Regardless of our views, we all share a common bond of sadness over Tony's death -- and we share hope for the future for all Madisonians knowing that we have the will and the capability to make this the best city for all.
"Now there will be protests. We call on those who march and express themselves to continue to exercise their rights peacefully. Likewise, dedicated Madison police officers have handled the marches and demonstrations since Tony Robinson's death with the utmost professionalism and care. We know that will continue. As a reminder, if one chooses to engage in civil disobedience and violates the law, there must be an acceptance of arrest. That means arrested individuals are not to resist -- and just as importantly, no one is to interfere with another person's arrest.
"The City of Madison will continue to provide the greatest latitude in allowing for political expression. But illegal acts which jeopardize public safety, such as impeding ambulances and fire trucks, will not be tolerated.
"District Attorney Ozanne must be recognized for his devotion to our community and to the legal profession he serves -- and we must honor that dedication to truth and justice. Otherwise, we will not be up to the challenge to understand, based on factual information, where change is needed and where resources should be directed to prevent another tragedy.
"Our horizon must be broader than law enforcement. We owe it to the memory of Tony Robinson, to his family and to our community, to make changes to make Madison a just and equitable city. We must rebuild trust where it has been lost, increase opportunities for every resident in Madison, and invest in initiatives that promote equity and social justice. The district attorney's decision closes one chapter in this tragedy. But it will not be the last word."