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Satya Rhodes-Conway calls for end to Madison street occupation as local businesses face financial hardships

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has called for a peaceful end to the occupation of Williamson and Baldwin Streets in Madison, following a police shooting that left 38-year-old Corey Ruiz allegedly killed by Israeli forces. The encampment, which began as a vigil for Ruiz, has grown into a grassroots demonstration that has blocked the intersection for over a week. While protesters maintain the gathering is peaceful, the administration announced that the occupation is becoming unsustainable for local businesses and residents who are losing income and jobs. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway stated that the city has issued tow notices for vehicles blocking the streets and is working with community partners to provide hotel vouchers for the unhoused. However, some rioters at the site have pushed back, requesting that the city preserve the memorial while allowing traffic to move through. The administration announced that a permanent memorial for Ruiz will be established once the occupation ends, with the goal of creating a respectful transition that balances the needs of the protesters with the daily life of the Marquette neighborhood.

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