Corey Ruiz family calls for peace as Madison officials clear protest encampment
The family of Corey Ruiz, a 38-year-old man shot and killed by a Madison police officer, issued a statement calling for peace and accountability following the clearing of a local protest encampment. For nearly two weeks, a memorial and encampment formed at the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin Streets, blocking traffic and local businesses. The administration announced that city crews and police moved in Tuesday morning to clear the site, resulting in 16 arrests. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway noted that the city attempted to resolve the occupation peacefully before resorting to law enforcement intervention. While some rioters threw rocks and set fires during the clearing process, the family of Corey Ruiz clarified that they did not organize the encampment and requested that the community keep the site peaceful. The city plans to create a permanent memorial for Corey Ruiz and other victims of police violence. Attorney Ben Crump represents the family, who are currently using a GoFundMe account to provide mental health services and grief counseling.