| MADISON, WI — July 28, 2026 — The signatories to this press release decry and denounce the killing of Corey Durell Ruiz that happened at the hands of members of the Madison Police Department. Mr. Ruiz’ death was horrific by itself but taken in concert with the killing and/or wanton shooting of others such as Richard Lee Johnson (Madison), Jacob Blake (Kenosha), George Floyd (Minneapolis), Tony Robinson (Madison), Mike Brown (Ferguson, MO) and far too many others, we recognize this act as a pattern of behavior regarding citizens of color, particularly Black citizens. Given this pattern of behavior, we can only surmise that these acts of brutality represent a systematic approach to Black people who do not benefit from the work of the police departments whose salaries they pay. Instead of experiencing policing designed to “serve and protect,” we are relegated to policing focused on "surveilling and suspecting.”
Corey Ruiz’s murder is yet another example of the failure of law enforcement to train its officers to respond appropriately to situations concerning the Black community. When it is possible for the White suspects of an attempt on the life of the President of the United States and the killing of a prominent health care executive to be apprehended without incident, why is it that Black people suspected of a violation regularly find themselves in situations where deadly force is deemed appropriate? This must stop. And we demand the following next steps as an initial good-faith effort to end this assault on our communities.
First, we demand transparency, accountability, and justice. One action to ensure the fulfillment of these demands is the continuation and support of the Office of the Independent Police Monitor. We lack confidence in the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as a part of a system that has failed to protect our citizens' rights. We must have an objective and fair evaluation of the events surrounding Corey Ruiz’ shooting death. While we support the addition of police body cameras for the Madison police officers, we see this technological addition as a necessary but not sufficient element to modern policing. We understand their limitations and potential for selective editing and partial presentations to the public. Thus, camera footage, along with access to the police records and data bank must be connected to the Independent Monitor for full transparency.
Next, we demand that our public officials demonstrate the moral courage to stand against injustice, even when that injustice lives in the departments under their supervision. Our community is tired of “thoughts and prayers.” We need “truth and action.” This requires more than “visiting” our communities during election cycles. It requires leaders who are willing to spend time working with community members to address challenges and work toward solutions. We will accept nothing less.
Signatories:
African American Council of Churches
Blacks for Political and Social Action of Dane County (BPSADC)
CoachesCrib
Focused Interruption
Urban League of Greater Madison
Urban Triage |
