In face of stricter enforcement, protesters again hit Wauwatosa streets
WAUWATOSA - For the second time in as many nights, demonstrators took to Wauwatosa's streets after hours on Friday, Aug. 14 -- despite new protest rules which took effect the day before.
Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride issued the new rules on Thursday, Aug. 13 and asked police to strictly enforce all of the city ordinances -- which includes limiting protests to between the hours of noon and 8 p.m.
Protesters have been calling for change, specifically the firing of Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah and Police Chief Barry Weber. Mensah is being investigated for the officer-involved death of 17-year-old Alvin Cole -- his third fatal officer-involved shooting in the past five years. The first two were ruled justified by the Milwaukee County District Attorney.
Warning: Video contains strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Demonstrations have recently visited McBride's home multiple times, and the home of Mensah's girlfriend.
Hours after the new rules were issued on Thursday, protesters marched from Milwaukee up to the border with Wauwatosa where they were met by Wauwatosa police officers blocking the road.
Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Ryan Clancy was there and shared a video of the demonstrators stopping, but continuing their chants. Then, a person on a bull horn called for the group to keep marching one step at a time -- and they did. According to one demonstrator, police backed up, and the group marched a few blocks into the City of Wauwatosa before leaving.
On Friday, a similar scene unfolded. A crowd of protesters could be seen meeting a law enforcement line.
FOX6 News reached out to the spokeswoman for Wauwatosa police to ask about what happened on Thursday night, and how they plan to respond to demonstrators going forward -- but did not hear back.
Related
Wauwatosa mayor warns protesters could be arrested, fined on private property, for blocking traffic
Union officials said these numbers "do not bode well for a bright future for Wauwatosa," and "do not indicate much hope for where this leadership is headed."
Related
Wauwatosa mayor calls for peaceful protests, says firing Officer Mensah, police chief 'very difficult' to do
Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride reiterated his call for peaceful protests on Friday and noted that firing police officers in Wisconsin is difficult to do.
Related
Attorneys for 3 killed by Officer Mensah file notice asking mayor to fire Wauwatosa police chief
On Friday, Aug. 14, the Police and Fire Commission will discuss Officer Mensah's future with the department.