Chief Flynn: Community is responding to pleas for calm in Sherman Park

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said late Monday, August 15th that he has been very gratified at the response from community members in and around the Sherman Park neighborhood. This, in the wake of recent unrest after an officer-involved fatal shooting.

Chief Flynn told reporters his department has lots of assets available for rapid deployment. His officers made roughly a half-dozen arrests. But Flynn said clearly, the community is taking a leadership role in reducing tension in the neighborhood. Flynn also noted there have been people in prayer circles -- even a vigorous barbecue going on. Flynn said these signs were all "very encouraging."

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett joined Chief Flynn in the news conference. He echoed the chief's comments that the mood has been "very encouraging" as of late Monday evening.

Barrett also gave credit to the city's police and fire departments. He said they have been extraordinary -- and have "shown tremendous professionalism and tremendous respect for the people in this community." Barrett said that goes a long way in making sure that we have good police-community relations in the City of Milwaukee.

PHOTO GALLERY



Chief Flynn and Mayor Barrett fielded questions after his statement. He indicated there have been no signs that outside groups, possibly from Chicago, have been in the Sherman Park neighborhood. When asked about the monitoring of social media, Flynn said there is a lot of "speculative narratives" being used to motivate people to take to the streets.

"We are concerned about it. We are paying attention to it. It's all open source and it's something we need to be aware of," Flynn said.

Barrett answered a question about the curfew saying he wanted to thank the parents and guardians who understood how important the curfew is to the community.