Community demands justice as killer cop fired in Milwaukee
Demanding justice for Dontre Hamilton, Milwaukee, Oct. 16.
Photo: Joe Brusky
As a result of almost six months of repeated protests organized by the Coalition for Justice and their allies, Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn announced at a press conference Oct. 15 that Christopher Manney, the cop who shot Dontre Hamilton 14 times, killing him instantly, has been fired. Hamilton family members were not invited to the press conference and were not allowed in when they arrived.
Despite many dozens, perhaps hundreds, of lives — the majority Black and Brown — having been taken by Milwaukee police, this is perhaps the first firing of a police officer for killing someone in this city in more than 45 years. (jsonline.com, Oct. 20)
Since Manney filed for duty disability retirement two days before his firing, he is eligible for possibly 75 percent of his full pay; a special board will rule on this.
Meanwhile, Manney has yet to be charged with any crime whatsoever by Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm. Thus, while claiming a victory with Manney’s firing, coalition members and allies immediately demanded full justice and called for a protest the next day, Oct. 16, at Red Arrow Park where Hamilton was killed by Manney.
“Dontre’s constitutional rights were violated,” declared Nate Hamilton, in front of the Milwaukee Police Department’s 1st District building during the demonstration. “His freedom was infringed upon. This officer, Christopher Manney, took my brother, so now we have no other choice but to stand up and make sure that justice prevails, not only for my brother, but for our city and our community.”
The Coalition for Justice has issued a call for a 6 p.m. mass meeting Oct. 22 at All Peoples Church, 2600 N. 2nd St. in Milwaukee. It states in part:
“It has been almost six months since this murder took place, and Dontre’s killer is yet to be brought to justice. We have recently learned that this officer has been fired from his duties for violating Dontre’s constitutional rights and breaching protocol. While the firing of this killer cop brings the family and the community one step closer to the justice we demand, we believe there are still other measures that must be taken to ensure that we get justice for our community.”
The coalition is demanding DA Chisholm charge Manney with at least homicide. Coalition organizers are asking supporters of justice to continue contacting the DA’s office: call 414-278-4646 and/or email [email protected].
For more information and updates on the Dontre Hamilton “No Justice, No Compromise” fightback and other struggles against police terror, contact #NoJusticeNoCompromise, #Onward, facebook.com/justicefordontre, and wibailoutpeople.org/.
