Group gather in Red Arrow Park, calling for justice, peace
It's been nearly four months since Milwaukee police shot an unarmed mentally ill man, Dontre Hamilton, at Red Arrow Park, and his family is still looking for answers.
"The hurt never goes away. It's just me trying to place it in a positive outlet," said Nate Hamilton, Dontre Hamilton's brother.
Earlier Friday, Nate Hamilton told WISN 12 News reporter Mike Anderson he would be a part of the demonstration because he's still seeking justice for his brother, but also because he wants positive change in the city.
"Wanting trained police officers, wanting to have police officers that (are) going to help us, actually change this community, and we can't trust the police. Right now, the community is having a hard time trusting the police," Nate Hamilton said.
Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn said a few days ago that he and Nate Hamilton want the same thing -- trust between the community and the police. And his officers are stressed to the core trying to make that happen.
"They are the homeless agency of first resort. They are the family violence agency of first resort, and they are also the ones dealing with violent crime, fear and firearms, and they do that virtually alone, so in that environment we're not always going to get it perfectly right, but again, I think one reason the community has maintained its support for us is they recognize how complex this job is and how often we do get it right," Flynn said.
Police said Dontre Hamilton grabbed the officer's baton and was hitting the officer with it when the officer opened fire.
Nate Hamilton said he thinks police went too far with his brother.
"I mean 14-15 shots, that's a lot, and we should have more answers than what we have at this point, so it's kind of like a smack in the face," Nate Hamilton said.
A Milwaukee County supervisor is calling on the district attorney to release the findings of a state investigation of the Dontre Hamilton case.
"I'd like to encourage the district attorney to release that information for the sake of the community that is concerned about so many situations where individuals are, young people of color are coming in contact with police and losing their lives," Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen said.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office told WISN 12 News it is reviewing that report and at some point in the near future it will be available to the public