MADISON, Wis. — Police and city workers used bulldozers Tuesday morning to begin clearing out a makeshift encampment that protesters set up at the intersection where an officer shot and killed a man two weeks ago.
The spot where Corey Ruiz was killed on Williamson and Baldwin streets became a protest site immediately after the shooting July 22. By late last week, it included portable toilets and dozens of tents, including some for food and medical assistance. The occupants included protesters and homeless people. Occupants were offered a free hotel stay as city workers moved in, and about a dozen people accepted it.
City workers arrived around 5 a.m. Tuesday and were met by protesters, according to the city. Police arrived soon afterward, some in riot gear. Protesters started two fires, which were quickly put out, as the encampment was cleared. Police said at least 10 people were arrested.
In recent days, the intersection was blocked with cars and wooden pallets. At the center of the intersection stood a large sculpture of a fist thrust in the air as well as a memorial with flowers and candles. At one entrance to the area hung a quilt that read, “There’s more of us than them. We must revolt.”
The corner is a popular area of small businesses, including Cha Cha Beauty Salon and Barber, the Crystal Corner Bar, the Hazel General Store gift shop and a St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway (D) has been warning in recent days that the area is unsafe and said people must leave.
The city has been shaken by Ruiz’s shooting, which was caught on video by a bystander. An officer shot Ruiz as his colleagues struggled with him. Police said Ruiz pulled out a knife during the encounter. The bystander video appeared to show the officer firing shots after Ruiz was already being held on the ground.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the shooting. The name of the officer who shot Ruiz has not been made public.
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