Madison Police Officer Fatally Shoots Man After Knife Encounter

Madison police responded to a report of someone checking parked cars in the Marquette neighborhood around 1 p.m. on Wednesday. The suspect fled on a bicycle but was intercepted about 35 minutes later, during which he either fell or was taken off the bike, leading to a physical struggle with officers.

According to Police Chief John Patterson, the man produced a fixed-blade knife during the altercation, injuring an officer. A stun gun was deployed but was ineffective, and the injured officer subsequently discharged his firearm, firing three rounds that killed the suspect.

Bystander video released online shows officers holding the man while bystanders shout, “Let go!” and “He’s got a knife!” An officer can be heard yelling “Taser!” before the shots are fired. The shooting was not captured on body-camera footage, as Madison officers are not routinely equipped with such devices.

All four officers present were placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure after officer-involved shootings. The state Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation will lead an independent probe, assisted by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Sun Prairie Police Department. The district attorney will also conduct a review.

City officials, including Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Council Alder Davy Mayer, said they will seek full transparency and accountability. The incident sparked protests in downtown Madison, and a planned outdoor performance by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra was canceled.

"I want to take a moment to honestly and sincerely offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family for this loss," Chief Patterson said.

"Any officer-involved shooting needs to be rigorously investigated, and this one will be," Mayor Rhodes-Conway added.

The victim, described as a man in his 30s, has not been identified, and the officer who fired the shots remains unnamed.