Protesters march in, near Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa: "Standing up for injustice and inequality"



WAUWATOSA -- As those with the Coalition for Justice gathered in Red Arrow Park in downtown Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 12th to protest recent officer-involved shooting deaths, a small group with "Black Out United" marched near Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa.

The group of about 20 people blocked traffic. They said shutting down the streets was a symbolic move.



"We all as one people need to stop movement for once and lock arms and get in sync and join together," a protester said.

Wauwatosa police blocked and rerouted traffic for the safety of demonstrators, and security was increased inside and outside Mayfair Mall.



Protesters eventually headed into Mayfair Mall, and some store officials pulled down their gates -- but the mall itself remained open.

Police called the protest peaceful, and no arrests were made.



 













Protesters said they hoped re-routed drivers would take notice of their demonstration.

"That they`re a group of respectful young people, black men, black women and men, that`s not out here cursing or saying slandering words, but standing up for injustice and inequality," a demonstrator said.



They chanted the name of Jay Anderson -- a man fatally shot by a Wauwatosa police officer.

July 4th would have been Anderson's 26th birthday -- but Anderson died in the early morning hours of June 23rd after he was shot by a Wauwatosa police officer in Madison Park.

Madison Park officer-involved shooting



Wauwatosa police say on June 23rd, an officer went to check out a vehicle deemed suspicious, and that officer, who has yet to be publicly identified, found Anderson alone and in possession of a gun. Police said the officer feared for his safety and shot into the vehicle -- killing Anderson.

Anderson's family says he had the gun legally and he wasn't up to anything suspicious in the park. They say he had simply fallen asleep in his car.

Milwaukee police are handling the investigation into Anderson's death. They say the investigation is ongoing and there are no updates on it at this time.



"I feel we made a statement today -- but a difference, no. It`s gonna take more people. It`s gonna take more time," a demonstrator said.

Among those protesting Tuesday were a handful of children.



"Because their lives matter. Because if we keeping picking off our generation, then what do we have," a demonstrator said.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.