A police officer in Madison, Wisconsin, shot and killed a man who injured him with a knife on Wednesday. The incident occurred amid an attempted arrest, leading to large protests at the state Capitol.

Cellphone video captured the shooting, with three gunshots audible. The footage, widely shared on social media, shows multiple cars stopped at the intersection while bystanders watch. Madison Police Chief John Patterson provided details in a news conference, revealing that the deceased man was in his 30s, though his name was not officially released.

Protesters identified the man as Corey Ruiz, according to the Wisconsin Examiner. The Wisconsin Right Now news outlet also named him as Ruiz, citing two unnamed sources. During the protest, videos showed participants chanting his name.

Details of the Incident

The incident began when police received a report of someone trying to enter parked vehicles. Patterson noted that officers were dispatched just before 1 p.m. They located the individual, who fled on a bicycle through backyards.

The confrontation occurred around 1:30 p.m. near the intersection of Baldwin and Williamson streets. The man either fell or was removed from his bike, leading to a physical struggle with officers. He then pulled out a knife, injuring an officer. A Taser attempt failed, prompting the injured officer to shoot. The man died later in the hospital. Police released an image of the knife involved.

Patterson mentioned that the officer who fired was experienced but did not disclose further details about him or the deceased. Advocacy groups stated that the man was Black and experiencing a mental health crisis. Urban Triage’s Brandi Grayson voiced concern over the shooting.

Investigation and Response

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation will handle the investigation due to police involvement. The department’s policy necessitates that the four responding officers take administrative leave.

This story is ongoing, with updates expected.