Mass protests over a fatal police shooting disrupted Madison throughout the weekend, forcing cancellations of major public events and raising questions about city leadership’s handling of the unrest, with more demonstrations possible this week.
The protests began after a Madison police officer shot and killed Corey Ruiz, 38, on July 22 during an attempted arrest in the Marquette neighborhood. Officers responded to reports of a man checking parked vehicles and stealing bicycles. Ruiz fled on a bicycle before a struggle ensued at Williamson and South Baldwin streets.
According to police, Ruiz pulled a fixed-blade knife and stabbed at least one officer. He also grabbed for a Taser as officers tried to subdue him. A Taser deployment failed, and the injured officer then fired, fatally wounding Ruiz. Body camera footage was not available; bystander video circulated widely online. The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating, and the officers involved remain on administrative leave.
Protesters marched on the state Capitol, shut down streets and prompted organizers to cancel Concerts on the Square, which draws about 30,000 people weekly. The AtwoodFest neighborhood festival was called off, a public market grand opening was postponed, and the Dane County Farmers Market closed hours early Saturday. A sit-in continued on State Street over the weekend.
At a Thursday press conference, protesters entered the room and took control. One seized the microphone from Police Chief John Patterson as Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway looked on, preventing officials from fully addressing the shooting details and investigation. The takeover drew criticism from residents concerned about the city’s ability to maintain order.
City leaders have expressed sympathy for the community’s pain while calling for calm. Some residents and local observers have voiced skepticism about whether Madison’s progressive leadership can restore normalcy without further disruptions to daily life and commerce as protests show no immediate sign of ending.
