"I wasn't protesting:" Dontre Hamilton supporters released from jail following arrests

MILWAUKEE -- An evening of disruption leads to an overnight stay in jail. Thursday evening, November 19th Nate Hamilton, and five other Dontre Hamilton supporters were arrested at the city/county tree lighting ceremony in Red Arrow Park. The clash between the holiday music and the amplified protest songs narrowed down to who had the permit to be there.

Corey Kirkwood

Those arrested were released from jail Friday morning, November 20th. They included Nate Hamilton, Dontre's brother, but he deferred all questions to Corey Kirkwood -- who was also detained.

"I wasn't protesting. We were not protesting. We was just there and Chief Flynn called orders to arrest certain people and the people that they arrested was us," said Kirkwood.

Hamilton protesters

During the tree lighting event, a children's choir sang of holiday cheer, but competed against chants and songs from members of the Coalition for Justice.

Milwaukee tree lighting

The group is angry that no federal charges will come for Christopher Manney, the former Milwaukee police officer who shot and killed Dontre Hamilton on April 30th, 2014.

After several minutes of the clash, police officers stepped in and handcuffed protesters.

"Dontre Hamilton! Dontre Hamilton!" protesters chanted -- and that included Nate Hamilton.

Nate Hamilton arrest

"There was six of us, all African-American, we got arrested for no apparent reason at all. There was other protesters which was Caucasian that did not get arrested," said Kirkwood.

"They made a decision to disrupt this event, they made a decision to act in a disorderly way that was their tactic and a lawful arrest was made," said Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn.

The Hamilton family's attorney said there would be a  response from the family at a later time. She added that Nate was detained but not charged.

The recommended charge of disorderly conduct will be reviewed by the district attorney's office.