Official court records or announcements from the Milwaukee District Attorney's office

Police Kill Knife-Wielding Suspect Near RNC in Milwaukee

Jul 16, 2024, 10:45 PM

A police-involved shooting occurred near the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee on Tuesday afternoon. The incident took place at the intersection of 14th and Vliet streets, approximately one mile from the RNC venue. Columbus, Ohio police officers, who were in Milwaukee to assist with RNC security, shot and killed a black man in his 20s wielding two knives. Witnesses reported hearing five gunshots during the incident. The suspect, identified as Samuel Sharpe, a homeless man, was reportedly involved in a fight with another individual before police intervened. Sharpe was also reported to have heard voices. The shooting has raised concerns about the use of out-of-state officers for security at the event. Milwaukee police have released body camera footage of the incident, which shows officers ordering Sharpe to drop the knives before opening fire. The incident is currently under investigation, and a vigil has been held for Sharpe, with local residents expressing anger and grief over the shooting. Authorities have stated that the incident appears to be unrelated to the RNC.