Officials, other law enforcement express their condolences in wake of fatal officer shooting

MILWAUKEE -- There is an outpouring of support demonstrated in the hours after a Milwaukee police officer was fatally shot near 28th and Wright in Milwaukee.

Below are statements from officials, organizations and other law enforcement who have shared their condolences:

Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton

"The entire City of Milwaukee saw and heard the pain of Police Chief Alfonso Morales when he announced only a few hours ago that the life of a police officer had been taken in the line of duty.

"Tonight, we stand and grieve with him and all the men and women who have sworn to protect and serve this community.

"A department that had not seen an officer taken in over two decades has now lost two in fewer than two months.  The first was an eager young officer.  This last, we are told, was a well-regarded veteran.

"We will all learn more in the coming days about the circumstances of this incident, the name and story of the officer killed, and what might have motivated this horrific violence.

"Tonight, however, it must be enough to mourn a life lost, to pray for strength for his family and friends, and to pray for healing for the other victim or victims injured in this incident."


Joint statement from Milwaukee aldermen, alderwomen

"As members of the Common Council we represent diverse districts across the City of Milwaukee, and each of us interacts with Milwaukee Police officers regularly in the course of our duties. We get to know many of the officers and we establish a working rapport and a common bond of working together to make our neighborhoods safer and better.

That bond is what makes the death of our officer last evening so incredibly painful and sad. We grieve for our fallen officer and his family, and we offer our heartfelt sympathies to the officer’s family and to each and every member of the Milwaukee Police Department family.

The death in the line of duty less than two months ago of Officer Charles Irvine, Jr. is still on our minds, and from his passing we know how difficult the coming days will be for our city and for the men and women who have sworn to protect and serve this community. We recognize their sacrifice and the sacrifices made by their families, and we must band together and offer our full support during this time of mourning.

Together as one Milwaukee community we must stand and honor the memory of our fallen officer while continuing to support one another during this painful and difficult time."


Milwaukee County Acting Sheriff Richard Schmidt

"My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow officers who today suffered the loss of a beloved Milwaukee Police Department officer. Our community mourns once again at this tragic loss of life. May God’s comfort be felt in this most difficult moment."


La Keisha Butler, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission

"The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission extends its sincerest condolences to the family of the fallen officer and the Milwaukee Police Department."




Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel

"My heart aches for Milwaukee PD, the city, and the family and friends of an officer killed while executing a warrant. Warrant officers are the ‘tip of the spear’ in law enforcement; they are heroes, going after the most dangerous people in our communities. Today this city lost a truly brave hero and committed guardian of the city, and my prayers will be with all who knew him in the coming days.

"Every day, the family of our officers watch their loved one leave the safety their home to protect us, not knowing if they will return. Tonight as we mourn the loss of this brave soul, and every day, I ask all Wisconsinites to pray for the safety of every Wisconsin law enforcement officer and their families."


Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper

"My deepest condolences go to the loved ones and friends of the Milwaukee Police officer who was killed in the line of duty earlier this evening in the 15th District. The sadness I witnessed tonight at the scene is difficult to process and I cannot stop thinking about the officer and his family.

"I want to thank him for his service, and I thank all of our dedicated officers who rush to danger to protect us and who put their lives on the line daily without hesitation.

"May God be with the officer and his family at this time."


U.S. Senator Ron Johnson

“My deepest prayers, thoughts, and condolences go out to the friends and family of the Milwaukee Police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty yesterday. Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

“The loss, grief, and sadness that accompanies fatal and tragic incidents like this leave our entire community in utter shock and mourning. My heart is with the Milwaukee Police Department, our community, and the friends and family of the officer during this difficult time.”


State Senator Lena Taylor

“There are certain moments so shocking and so painful that words barely touch the surface of the profound depth of what has occurred. The loss of life is one such moment.  This Officer gave 17 years of service to our city and this is not how that service should have ended.”

“As we keep the family, friends, and fellow colleagues of this officer in mind, we must work to create communities that are safe and in which life is valued. I pray this officer’s family can take solace in the contributions of their family member to achieve that safety.”




Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan

"My heart goes out to the family of the officer who was senselessly gunned down earlier this evening while on duty. I am simply numb and I can only imagine the heartbreaking sadness and pain being felt by his loved ones, friends, and fellow officers.

"My thoughts are also with the citizens of Milwaukee and everyone who cares about this city and about the men and women who risk their lives daily in the difficult work to protect each and every one of us.

"As the father of a Milwaukee Police officer I can tell you that the Milwaukee Police family is hurting tonight, and that pain will not go away for some time. The past two months have been very difficult and now officers must face new grieving and emotional pain.

"I ask Milwaukeeans to band together and offer as much support and comfort to our officers as possible in the coming days and weeks.

"They need that support and it will be greatly appreciated."


Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission

"Yesterday the City lost a valued family member. Officer Michael Michalski served the City of Milwaukee for 20 years, first as a parking checker and then 17 years as a police officer. By all accounts he was a hard-working, well-respected member of the Milwaukee Police Department. Officer Michalski was a husband, father, friend, and colleague and he will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.

"The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission, the entity that hires all police officers, stands with the Milwaukee Police Department and Officer Michalski’s family as they mourn his death. We thank Officer Michalski for his service and thank all of the members of the Milwaukee Police Department who continue to risk their lives daily to protect the citizens of the City of Milwaukee.

"May God be with his family, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the community as we grieve this tragic loss of life."


United States Attorney Matthew Krueger

“Our hearts break for the fallen officer, together with his family, friends, and each member of the Milwaukee Police Department. He selflessly dedicated himself to protecting our community, and his service will not be forgotten.”




State Rep. David Crowley

“There are no words or explanations to justify the tragic loss of life that occurred yesterday evening. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fallen officer, the entire Milwaukee Police Department, and anyone who was affected by this senseless act of violence.

“There is no greater sacrifice than that of those who give their life to protect and serve our communities and our country. Together we can and must do more to improve police and community relations and be advocates for safer neighborhoods, decreasing the chances of situations like this occurring and ensuring the safety of those who dedicate and risk their lives for the people of our great city.

“Today we all mourn for our fallen officer and pray for his loved ones as they deal with this monumental loss.”


Alderwoman candidate Nikiya Dodd

"Last evening a Milwaukee Police Department officer was killed in the line of duty. My sincere condolences are extended to the family of the fallen officer who lost his life due to senseless gun violence last night. This unfortunate incident saddens me and we all should grieve this loss.

As a wife I know firsthand the daily concerns I have for the well-being of my husband and other who have sworn to protect and serve our beloved city. 

As a community we must lean into our humanity and find a path for healing and civility in moments of extreme tragedy and pain.

I ask that we unite as a city and continue our prayer for the family of our fallen officer and all who knew him."