MILWAUKEE, MN – A man wielding knives was fatally shot by police near the site of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, Milwaukee authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. near 13th Street and West Vliet Street, approximately two miles from the Fiserv Forum, where the convention is taking place.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman reported that the man, who was involved in an altercation and armed with a knife in each hand, charged at another individual. Despite multiple commands from 13 Columbus police officers on bike patrol to drop the weapons, the man failed to comply, prompting the officers to open fire.
The individual who was killed is believed to have been residing in a nearby homeless encampment, according to a witness at the scene. The witness corroborated the police’s account, noting that the man was holding knives when he was shot. Police confirmed that two knives were recovered from the scene.
The shooting sparked a heated response from the community, with frustrated residents and friends of the deceased seeking explanations from the police. Additionally, protesters from the RNC criticized the presence and actions of out-of-town police units.
The incident occurs amid heightened security concerns at the RNC, where Tuesday’s theme focused on public safety under the banner “Make America Safe Once Again.”
No officers were injured during the incident. The Columbus Division of Police has indicated that the event does not seem to be connected to the RNC activities. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, and further details are awaited.