Halted by demonstrators: Hamilton supporters shut down Fire and Police Commission meeting



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee city meeting was shut down by demonstrators. Supports of Dontre Hamilton's family halted tonight's Fire and Police Commission meeting.

They are upset an appeal hearing for the former police officer who shot and killed Dontre Hamilton has not been set.

Thursday, they made known, they're fired up.

On the third floor of City Hall, business as usual was halted by demonstrators.

About 50 people stood up while the Fire and Police Commission tries continuing on with its meeting. The meeting was adjourned, as no business could continue on.

The group is upset no officials appeal hearing date has been set for former Milwaukee police officer, Christopher Manney.

"We've been waiting as a family too long, we've been waiting as a community too long," said Nate Hamilton, Dontre Hamilton's brother.

Manney shot and killed Hamilton in Red Arrow Park last April. He was fired for his actions leading up to the shooting.

"We want change. We need to have that change," said Nate Hamilton.

The FPC announced a tentative time frame for a hearing in mid-March. But the Hamilton's say that's not good enough.

"We've been here peaceful, we've been here pleasant, but when has the respect ever been returned," said Nate Hamilton.

Earlier on Thursday, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn says the delay is simply due process playing out.

"This thing will be heard, there will be a hearing," said Flynn.

Disagreeing with the tactics protesters are using. Flynn says ultimately there will be a resolution.

"Yelling about it isn't going to change that fact," said Flynn.

But until there are answers, a promise the wait will not be met with patience.

"We're going to continue to shut it down," said Maria Hamilton, Dontre Hamilton's mother.

"We want our questions answered and we want them answered now," said Nate Hamilton.

The FPC says there are pre-trial efforts underway.

A hearing could take place some time between March 19th and 27th. The hearing is anticipated to last 2 to 3 days.