A man was shot and killed by police on Tuesday near Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee where the Republican National Convention is being held, Fox News confirmed.
The Columbus Division of Police confirmed the shooting, verifying that it happened “in the outer perimeter of the RNC”, but said it does not appear to be related to the convention.
The shooting happened just after 1 p.m. near 13th Street and West Vliet Street – about two miles from the Fiserv Forum.
During a press conference, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said 13 uniformed Columbus police officers, from Ohio, were assigned to bike patrol in their assigned zone.
Police investigate a shooting near King Park during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. The shooting happened outside the security perimeter for the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Norman said the officer observed a subject armed with a knife in each hand engaged in an altercation with another individual.
The officers made several commands for the suspect to drop the knife, but the man refused to listen to commands and charged at the other individual with the knives.
Norman said officers then discharged their guns, striking the suspect.
One witness told Fox News that the man lived in a nearby homeless camp. The witness matched the police officer’s account, saying that he was brandishing a knife when he was shot.
Police said two knives were recovered from the scene.
“This unfolded. Somebody’s life was in immediate danger. Two knives were recovered from this situation. Someone’s life was in danger. These officers not from this area took upon themselves to act to save someone’s life,” Norman said.
Multiple upset residents, some claiming to be friends and family, were arguing with police and looking for answers about the shooting.
When some people protesting the RNC learned the deceased was shot by outside officers, they got upset and slammed the RNC for coming into their town with out-of-town police.
“It is notable that the Columbus Ohio Police Department was present at our protest, putting themselves out there as supposed peacekeepers. It feels obvious to say that killing people, carrying weapons, is not a part of peacekeeping. It is also notable that the Milwaukee Police Department said they would keep outside agencies away from the broader Milwaukee community, which they failed to do,” the Colilation to March on the RNC said in a statement.
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION GETS UNDERWAY TWO DAYS AFTER TRUMP SURVIVED AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
Police officers from Columbus, Ohio, shot and killed a man on Tuesday afternoon near 14th and Vliet streets in Milwaukee, which is about 2 miles from Fiserv Forum, the main RNC venue. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Norman confirmed that no officers were hit or injured during the altercation.
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This also comes as Tuesday’s theme of the RNC is “Make America Safe Once Again” and former President Donald Trump has called to address crime in Milwaukee.
Fox News’ Patrick McGovern contributed to this report.