Madison police shooting of Corey Ruiz identified amid protests
Madison authorities have named the man killed in a police shooting and announced a state-led homicide investigation as protests continue.
Madison police identified the victim of a Wednesday shooting as Corey Ruiz, a man in his 30s who was a member of the local community. Police said Ruiz fled after officers responded to reports of bicycle thefts and vehicle tampering in the Marquette neighborhood, later confronting officers at the intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson Streets. During the encounter he produced a fixed-blade knife, injuring an officer, after which a stun gun was deployed without effect. A veteran officer then fired three shots, killing Ruiz.
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said the incident will be "rigorously investigated" and emphasized that no one should lose their life in a police encounter, regardless of background. City Council President Sabrina Madison noted that Ruiz had a family and a child. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is leading an open homicide inquiry and will disclose the name of the officer who fired. All four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave as required by state law.
The shooting, captured on bystander video that spread on social media, has sparked protests and a vigil scheduled for the evening. Demonstrators interrupted a city news conference, demanding accountability and an end to police brutality. The incident occurred near locations of previous police-involved shootings in Madison, prompting renewed calls for policy reforms.