Sam Sharpe dies in fatal Columbus, Ohio, shooting near Milwaukee’s King Park
Fatal Columbus, Ohio, shooting death of Sam Sharpe – Obituary
A homeless man, identified as Sam Sharpe, was fatally shot by Columbus, Ohio, police officers close to Milwaukee’s King Park on Tuesday. The incident occurred over a mile away from the security perimeter of the Republican National Convention, where over 4,000 police officers have gathered from various parts of the country.
According to security camera footage obtained by the Wisconsin Examiner from the Milwaukee Alliance, a community organizing group, the video shows two individuals engaged in what appears to be a confrontation in the street. Upon the arrival of police officers, one of the men is shot almost immediately.
Witnesses at the park, including a group of teenagers playing basketball, reported that the officers began shooting within 20 seconds of arriving at the scene. King Park is known for housing a tent community of homeless individuals, which has fluctuated in size over time. On the evening prior to the shooting, the Poor People’s Army organized a march from King Park to the Republican National Convention grounds to highlight the issues faced by the unhoused population.
Local residents near the scene confirmed that Sam Sharpe, initially identified by Urban Milwaukee, was a resident of the park’s encampment. Some recalled him as someone who lived there with his dog.
Community members have expressed concern over why officers from Ohio were patrolling outside the designated security zone of the RNC. “I heard the chief say that he was going to protect not only the zone, but the city,” said Carl Gray, a neighborhood resident, to Wisconsin Examiner. “We aren’t protected when Ohio police come here and kill Milwaukee residents.”
Aurelia Ceja, spokesperson for the Milwaukee Alliance, described the shooting as a “worst-case scenario” following warnings from activists about the risks associated with inviting thousands of additional law enforcement officers into the community for the convention. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman had previously stated that officers from outside agencies would not patrol beyond the convention’s security perimeter.
Brian Steel, president of the Columbus Police Union, confirmed that officers from Columbus were involved in the shooting during the Republican National Convention but assured that no officers were injured. He mentioned that while the involved officers were expected to return, others would remain in Milwaukee to fulfill their duties.
With numerous law enforcement personnel from federal, state, and local agencies present in Milwaukee for the convention, inquiries regarding the incident have been directed to the Milwaukee Police Department, which had not issued a statement as of Tuesday evening.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for 8 p.m. at King Park in memory of Sam Sharpe.
Fatal Columbus, Ohio, shooting death of Sam Sharpe – Obituary A homeless man, identified as Sam Sharpe, was fatally shot by Columbus, Ohio, police officers close to Milwaukee’s King Park on Tuesday. The incident occurred over a mile away from the security perimeter of the Republican National Convention, where over 4,000 police officers have gathered…
Fatal Columbus, Ohio, shooting death of Sam Sharpe – Obituary A homeless man, identified as Sam Sharpe, was fatally shot by Columbus, Ohio, police officers close to Milwaukee’s King Park on Tuesday. The incident occurred over a mile away from the security perimeter of the Republican National Convention, where over 4,000 police officers have gathered…