Ohio police officers attending the Republican National Convention in Wisconsin fatally shot a man who was brandishing two knives near the event, according to Milwaukee’s police chief. The man, who had a knife in each hand, ignored police orders and charged at an unarmed individual before being shot by five members of the Columbus, Ohio, police department, Chief Jeffrey Norman stated during a press briefing.
Two knives were found at the scene, Norman added. Body camera footage released by the police showed officers on bicycles conversing before one of them alerted the others, saying, “He’s got a knife.” Subsequently, multiple officers shouted, “Drop the knife!” as they rushed towards two men standing in the street. When the armed man advanced towards the unarmed individual, the police officers discharged their firearms.
“Someone’s life was in danger,” Norman said. “These officers, who were not from this area, took it upon themselves to act and save someone’s life today.”
Multiple law enforcement officers from various jurisdictions are currently in Milwaukee to provide extra security for the convention, which began on Monday and will end on Thursday. The shooting incident has sparked frustration among local residents, who are questioning the presence of out-of-state officers in their neighborhood, located just a mile away from the convention venue.
The Columbus Division of Police, the chief of staff for Milwaukee’s mayor, and a spokesperson for the convention’s joint command center have all stated that there is no evidence linking the shooting to the convention itself. The man who was killed has been identified as 43-year-old Samuel Sharpe by his cousin and others.
Following the shooting, Milwaukee residents and activists gathered at the scene, expressing their anger over the involvement of an out-of-town police department due to the convention. On Tuesday night, around 100 people peacefully held a vigil and march at the site of the shooting, observing a moment of silence at the location where Sharpe lost his life.
