The fatal shooting of Samuel Sharpe Jr., a homeless man, by five Columbus, Ohio police officers in Milwaukee has led to significant controversy and the implementation of a new security policy for the Republican National Convention (RNC). The incident occurred on July 15, 2024, near a homeless encampment about a mile from the convention area.
Sharpe, armed with two knives, was involved in a dispute when the officers, who were initially assigned to RNC-related duties, intervened. Body camera footage shows that the officers shot Sharpe as he lunged at another man, resulting in his death. The Columbus officers did not have a local Milwaukee officer accompanying them at the time, which was a violation of the pre-agreed security protocols.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman and Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther defended the officers’ actions, stating they acted according to their training to prevent harm. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also supported the officers’ decision, emphasizing that they prevented a potential victim from being harmed.
However, the incident has sparked outrage among local residents and activists. Alan Chavoya, an activist with the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, criticized the deployment of out-of-town officers, arguing that local police would have been better suited to handle the situation. Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman suggested that a local officer might have approached the situation differently, with more emphasis on de-escalation.
In response to the incident, Milwaukee authorities announced that all out-of-town police units will now be required to have local officers accompany them for the remaining days of the RNC. This policy aims to address the concerns raised by residents and ensure better coordination and understanding of local dynamics.
The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team, led by the Greenfield Police Department, is currently investigating the shooting. The incident has also highlighted broader issues regarding the use of non-local police forces and the implications of hosting large-scale events like the RNC in Milwaukee, especially following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, which heightened security measures.
Sharpe, known as “Jehovah” to his friends, was remembered by loved ones as a kind individual who appreciated the small things in life. Shelly Sarasin from the outreach group Street Angels shared that Sharpe had expressed gratitude during his last interaction with the group the day before his death.
The incident has added to the tension surrounding the RNC, with community members expressing frustration over the presence of numerous out-of-town police officers and the perceived heavy-handedness in their approach.
