Milwaukee authorities investigate fatal shooting of man by Columbus police

The shooting occurred shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Time, as the 13 members of the bicycle unit providing security near the Republican National Convention were being briefed on what to expect that day.

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said officers noticed a man with two knives attacking another man.

“Someone’s life was in immediate danger. Also in this particular situation, two knives were recovered. Someone’s life was in danger. These officers, who are not from this area, took it upon themselves to intervene to save someone’s life,” Norman said.

In a press conference Tuesday evening, Norman said a Milwaukee-area investigative team would investigate the shooting, with the suburban Greenfield Police Department taking the lead.

“The officers saved a life that day. They took immediate action against an individual who was attempting to inflict serious bodily harm and we commend them for their actions. It is tragic that someone lost their life. Of course we are praying for that individual and their family, but we commend our officers for saving a life that day,” said Lieutenant Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9.

Steel said the investigation was being conducted in a similar manner to the one in Columbus. He said before officers left, they had a local union attorney on standby to assist the officers.

Norman said officials have already spoken with investigators. The five Columbus officers will be placed on leave for up to 60 days.

The big question people are asking is why Columbus officers were patrolling a mile from the RNC.

The agreement to deploy Columbus officers to provide security at the RNC states that the officers must adhere to a crowd control order signed in 2021 by Ohio District Court Judge Algenon Marbley.

This prohibits officers from using tear gas, pepper spray, wooden bullets and other so-called “non-lethal force” against non-violent protesters.

That’s why they were placed in an area where there were few protesters, Steel said.