On Wednesday, a Madison police officer fatally shot a man during an arrest attempt. The man, who wielded a knife, injured the officer before being shot. Police Chief John Patterson confirmed the incident, but did not release the identity of the deceased, noting only that he was in his 30s. “I want to offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family for this loss,” said Chief Patterson at a news conference.

Shortly after the event, cellphone footage surfaced online, capturing three gunshots. However, Chief Patterson emphasized this footage is one angle, urging the community to understand there is additional video that will be reviewed as part of the investigation. “We need to remain calm because not all perspectives are visible online now,” he explained.

The shooting occurred on a bustling street, near restaurants and homes, under two miles from the state Capitol. Video showed many cars stopped at an intersection as the situation escalated. Notably, this street was the backdrop for a 2015 incident where a white officer shot Tony Robinson, a biracial man. Following large protests, the district attorney ruled the officer’s actions justified. Robinson’s family later received a $3.35 million settlement from the city.

Police have not disclosed the races of the officer involved and the man who was killed. Community advocate Brandi Grayson stated the victim was Black. “Another Black man is dead on a Madison street, and our community watched him die before we even knew his name,” she remarked.

Protesters gathered at the scene, chanting “Arrest the cops!” Gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong joined the demonstration. “We’re going to support any protest but aim to avoid unnecessary conflict,” stated Patterson. Governor Tony Evers acknowledged the incident, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.

Officers initially responded to reports of a man attempting to break into vehicles. The suspect tried to flee and, during a confrontation, used a knife to injure an officer. Despite the deployment of a taser, the officer then shot the man, who later died at the hospital. Patterson described the officer as experienced but gave no further details. “When a knife appears, the danger increases significantly,” Patterson said, adding that a photo of the knife would be released.

While one officer was injured, it’s unclear how; the other two were unhurt. All four officers will be on administrative leave while the investigation continues. The Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation will lead the probe due to police involvement.