2016 Milwaukee riots

Series of demonstrations against police brutality in southeast Wisconsin February 2025 2016 Milwaukee riots August 13–15, 2016 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. North Sherman and West Auer43.077 -87.9675 Fatal shooting of Sylville Smith by police Protests, rioting, looting, arson, shooting, assaults Flag of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.svg City of Milwaukee Wisconsin National Guard2025-02-23 The New York Times National Guard Deployed in Milwaukee Amid Unrest Over Fatal Police Shooting https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/14/us/violent-crowd-confronts-police-in-milwaukee-after-fatal-shooting.html Milwaukee Police Department Milwaukee Fire Department Wisconsin Air National Guard Local demonstrators RCPlogo.svg 23px Revolutionary Communist PartyPhelps Jeffrey Communist group members go to Milwaukee to help 'revolution' http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/chicago-members-revolutionary-communist-party-milwaukee-revolution/ 23 December 2016 Chicago Sun-Times August 15, 2016 Initially 20–30December 2016 200+December 2016 Casualties, arrests, prosecution 1 10+O'Brien Brendan Milwaukee curfew obeyed after riots over police shooting https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wisconsin-police-idUSKCN10P06W Reuters August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016Berman Mark Milwaukee unrest: One person shot during demonstrations; curfew announced for teenagers https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/08/15/one-person-shot-as-unrest-in-milwaukee-continues-for-a-second-night The Washington Post August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 41 5 demonstrators,Man charged with burglary of 3 businesses in Sherman Park neighborhood http://fox6now.com/2016/08/20/19-year-old-man-charged-with-arson-inspired-by-sherman-park-unrest/ 20 December 2016 fox6now.com August 27, 2016Collins Julie 19-year-old man charged with arson inspired by Sherman Park unrest http://fox6now.com/2016/08/27/man-charged-with-burglary-of-3-businesses-in-sherman-park-neighborhood/ 20 December 2016 fox6now.com August 20, 2016DeLong Katie 1 of 3 charged in connection with burglary at liquor store during unrest pleads guilty http://fox6now.com/2016/10/24/1-of-3-charged-in-connection-with-burglary-at-liquor-store-during-unrest-pleads-guilty/ 20 December 2016 fox6now.com October 24, 2016 1 police officer On August 13, 2016, a riot began in the Sherman Park neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sparked by the fatal police shooting of 23-year-old Sylville Smith.'Things got out of hand:' Violence breaks out in Milwaukee following officer-involved shooting http://fox6now.com/2016/08/13/milwaukee-police-sheriffs-office-responding-to-disturbance-near-n-sherman-auer Fox 6 August 13, 2016 August 14, 2016 Ashley Sears Angelica Duria August 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160814055933/http://fox6now.com/2016/08/13/milwaukee-police-sheriffs-office-responding-to-disturbance-near-n-sherman-auer/ dead During the three-day turmoil, several people, including police officers, were injured and dozens of protesters arrested. A nightly curfew was set up for teenagers in the area.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wisconsin-police-idUSKCN10R0WM Riot-torn Milwaukee has quieter night before Trump's visit Reuters August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016 Brendan O'Brien Smith was running on foot and armed with a stolen handgun when he was shot.https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/milwaukee-police-chief-identifies-shooting-victim-sylville-smith-41377939 Milwaukee Police Chief Identifies Shooting Victim as Sylville K. Smith, Says He Had a 'Lengthy Arrest Record' ABC News Associated Press August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160815092745/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/milwaukee-police-chief-identifies-shooting-victim-sylville-smith-41377939 August 15, 2016 dead Video from the officer's bodycam showed that Smith had turned with the gun in his hand toward the officer just before the officer shot him.https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2016-08-14/milwaukee-officials-call-for-calm-after-unrest-over-shooting One person shot in Milwaukee during 2nd night of skirmishes U.S. News & World Report Associated Press August 14, 2016 August 15, 2016 Todd Richmond Dominique Heaggan-Brown was criminally charged with Smith's death and acquitted at trial. This was the first homicide charge against a Milwaukee police officer in over a decade. A civil lawsuit was settled in 2020 for $4,000,000.$4M settlement for Sylville Smith family will cost $480K per year for 10 years https://www.cbs58.com/news/4m-settlement-for-sylville-smith-family-will-cost-480k-per-year-for-10-years 2 December 2022 cbs58.com 28 October 2020 Background In 2014, community protests followed the fatal shooting of Dontre Hamilton, a Black man, in Milwaukee. The officer who shot and killed Hamilton was fired from the police force for not following protocol, but he was not criminally charged. In December 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it would work with the Milwaukee Police Department on reforms.https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/milwaukee-officials-call-calm-unrest-073812266.html One person shot in Milwaukee during 2nd night of skirmishes Yahoo! News Associated Press August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Gretchen Ehlke Kyle PotterMarch 2023 InternetArchiveBot yes https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/slew-police-encounters-precedes-latest-milwaukee-shooting-41373553 Slew of Police Encounters Precedes Latest Milwaukee Shooting ABC News Associated Press August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160815192554/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/slew-police-encounters-precedes-latest-milwaukee-shooting-41373553 August 15, 2016 dead Milwaukee police previously attracted controversy for two incidents involving the deaths of black suspects while in police custody—one in 2010 and the other in 2011—as well as a scandal involving illegal strip searches and body cavity searches of 74 black people, for which a $5 million settlement was approved by the Milwaukee Common Council.Workneh Lilly McLaughlin Michael 'Milwaukee Uprisings' Reflect Wisconsin's Terrible Treatment Of Black Lives http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/milwaukee-uprisings-reflect-wisconsins-terrible-treatment-of-black-lives_us_57b39627e4b04ff8839957be August 17, 2016 The Huffington Post August 17, 2016http://archive.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/city-oks-5-million-settlement-of-strip-search-lawsuits-b99654643z1-365791321.html Milwaukee aldermen OK $5 million settlement of strip search lawsuits Milwaukee Journal Sentinel January 19, 2016 August 17, 2016 Mary Spicuzza Ashley Luthern Residents have criticized policing methods in predominantly black neighborhoods, which they say often involve a lack of respect towards suspects and use of force. On June 29, 2016, police in riot gear had to respond to unrest in Sherman Park, near 39th and Burleigh, a block away from the August incident. Rioters smashed windows and threw rocks at police.http://fox6now.com/2016/06/30/officers-in-riot-gear-respond-to-sherman-park-for-group-breaking-windows-throwing-rocks-at-police Officers in riot gear respond to Sherman Park for group breaking windows, throwing rocks at police Fox 6, Milwaukee June 30, 2016 August 14, 2016 Deandra Corinthios A BP gas station had been a frequent flash-point for unrest during June and July 2016, with several incidents taking place there, including a murder. Later, it would be looted and set on fire during the August 13 riot.http://fox6now.com/2016/08/14/gas-station-on-sherman-burned-friday-night-has-seen-several-incidents-this-summer Gas station on Sherman, burned by protesters, has seen several incidents this summer Fox 6, Milwaukee August 14, 2015 August 16, 2016 Katie Delong August 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160815152710/http://fox6now.com/2016/08/14/gas-station-on-sherman-burned-friday-night-has-seen-several-incidents-this-summer/ dead The shooting of Sylville Smith occurred during a violent weekend in Milwaukee, with nine other shootings, five of them homicides, occurring within the preceding nine hours from August 12 to August 13. Two of the crime scenes were located a few blocks away from the police shooting. Influence of inequality Several reports and Milwaukee residents have connected the riots to a history of segregation and discrimination in Milwaukee.'Milwaukee Uprising' Shines Spotlight on One of America's Most Segregated Cities https://abcnews.go.com/US/milwaukee-uprising-shines-spotlight-segregated-city/story?id=41421943 ABC News August 16, 2016 August 17, 2016 Michael Edison Haydenhttps://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/us/racial-violence-in-milwaukee-was-decades-in-the-making-residents-say.html Racial Violence in Milwaukee Was Decades in the Making, Residents Say The New York Times August 14, 2016 August 17, 2016 John Eligon Black residents, who make up about 40 percent of the city's population, have higher rates of unemployment, violent crime, incarceration, lack of education, and lower incomes than white residents. The poverty difference between black and white citizens is about one-and-a-half times the national average, and according to the Economic Policy Institute, Milwaukee has the nation's highest black unemployment rate.https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/08/milwaukee-riots-poverty-education-statistics These Stats Show Why Milwaukee Was Primed to Explode Mother Jones August 17, 2016 August 17, 2016 Brandon Ellington Patterson One resident, Sharlen Moore, said:It's a series of things that has happened over a period of time. And right now you shake a soda bottle and you open the top and it explodes, and this is what it is. Initial police shooting At about 3:30p.m. on August 13, 2016, two 23-year-old men were pulled over by two officers for suspicious activity while driving through the neighborhood. Both men fled on foot. One, who was armed with a semi-automatic handgun carrying 23 rounds, was later shot twice, in the right arm and chest, by one of the officers, and died at the scene. The man's handgun, along with 500 additional rounds of ammunition, had been reported stolen during a March burglary in nearby Waukesha. The second man was later apprehended and put into police custody.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/milwaukee-cop-cars-smashed-torched-after-police-kill-suspect-n630236 Milwaukee Crowd Turns Violent After Police Fatally Shoot Armed Man NBC News August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Phil Helselhttp://www.cnn.com/2016/08/14/us/milwaukee-violence-police-shooting/index.html After deadly Milwaukee police shooting, calls for peace CNN August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Emanuella Grinberg Thom Patterson The deceased man, later identified as Sylville Smith, was shot about 20 seconds after the traffic stop was conducted.http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-milwaukee-police-shooting-protests-20160814-story.html Milwaukee police chief blames Chicago-based activists for violence toward police Chicago Tribune August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 People involved Sylville Smith Sylville K. Smith (April 11, 1993 – August 13, 2016)http://criminalfaces.com/arrests/sylville-k-smith_6654816.html Sylville K Smith CriminalFaces.com December 15, 2016https://www.yahoo.com/news/grandfather-man-killed-police-just-trying-survive-062727124.html Grandfather: Man killed by police was just trying to survive Yahoo! News Associated Press August 17, 2016 August 17, 2016 Todd Richmond August 18, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160818235103/https://www.yahoo.com/news/grandfather-man-killed-police-just-trying-survive-062727124.html dead had two sisters, and a two-year-old son. According to his grandfather, Smith had cognitive and mental health issues, needing to take special education classes in elementary and middle school. He also started carrying a gun on his person after being shot at or robbed several times in separate incidents. According to the police department, Smith had a "lengthy arrest record" dating back to at least 2011. He had been arrested or ticketed eight times for robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, theft, heroin possession, and other crimes. On February 3, 2015, he had been charged with felony first-degree "reckless endangering safety", in relation to a shooting at a party on August 24, 2014. This charge was followed by felony witness intimidation, when Smith attempted, through his girlfriend, to get the victim to sign a letter recanting his account. Both charges were dismissed after the victim willingly recanted his story.http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/08/14/man-shot-milwaukee-police-subject-witness-intimidation-case/88721094/ Man killed by Milwaukee police had lengthy record Milwaukee Journal Sentinel August 14, 2016 August 15, 2016 Ashley Luthern Raquel Rutledge Ellen Gablerhttps://www.foxnews.com/us/man-shot-by-milwaukee-cop-beat-gun-rap-after-allegedly-pressuring-witness Man shot by Milwaukee cop beat gun rap after allegedly pressuring witness FOX News August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016 David Paulsen Smith's family said he had, at some point, filed a lawsuit against the Milwaukee Police Department, but no evidence of such a suit—settled or pending—was found in state or federal court.http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2016/08/16/social-media-threats-intensify-focus-officer/88874910/ Social media threats intensify, focus on officer Milwaukee Journal Sentinel August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016 Ashley Luthern Ellen Gabler Dominique Heaggan-Brown Dominique Heaggan-Brown (born 1992) joined the police force in 2010 as an aide and then graduated from its academy three years later. He was wearing a body camera at the time of the shooting, as were two other officers at the scene.http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/milwaukee-identified-sylville-smith-death-article-1.2754241 Milwaukee cop identified in Sylville Smith's death is two-year veteran of force and amateur rapper The New York Daily News August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016 Nicole Hensleyhttps://www.yahoo.com/news/pics-didn-t-happen-internet-000000525.html 'Pics or it didn't happen' puts increased pressure on cops to release body-cam video in police shooting cases Yahoo! News August 23, 2016 August 23, 2016 Jason Sickles Heaggan-Brown is African American, and his name was initially withheld by police officials as "there are concerns for his safety".http://fox6now.com/2016/08/14/chief-flynn-officer-who-fatally-shot-sylville-smith-is-african-american-there-are-concerns-for-his-safety Chief Flynn: Officer who fatally shot Sylville Smith is African-American; there are concerns for his safety Fox 6 August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Katie Delong A.J. Bayatpour He was identified by the public on August 16 after at least 3,000 people shared a Facebook image of him, with some adding threatening comments; the post was deleted by Milwaukee police shortly after. On August 14, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn said Heaggan-Brown's "body camera showed Smith had turned toward the officer with a gun in his hand". Heaggan-Brown was placed on administrative duty following the shooting, as is standard protocol in the city police department.http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/17/us/milwaukee-police-shooting/ Milwaukee officer knew Sylville Smith from high school, family says CNN August 17, 2016 August 18, 2016 Ray Sanchez Heaggan-Brown was described by residents as an "aggressive" officer who was not well-liked in the community. According to one of Smith's sisters, Sherelle, Heaggan-Brown had known her brother in high school. An unnamed law enforcement source confirmed that both men had attended Casimir Pulaski High School together.http://fox6now.com/2016/08/15/they-knew-each-other-sister-of-sylville-smith-says-officer-was-no-stranger-to-her-family 'They knew each other:' Sister of Sylville Smith says officer who shot her brother was no stranger Fox 6, Milwaukee August 15, 2016 A.J. Bayatpour August 15, 2016 Sherelle Smith also said that Heaggan-Brown was jealous of Smith's popularity and would often harass him because of it. On October 31, Heaggan-Brown was fired from the force after allegations of committing several drugging and rapes. When one rape victim was taken to the hospital over fear of an overdose Heaggan-Brown texted another officer regarding how best to keep the incident quiet.http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sylville-smith-shooting-ex-milwaukee-officer-dominique-heaggan-brown-charged-in-fatal-shooting-that-sparked-riots/ Ex-Milwaukee officer charged in fatal shooting that sparked riots CBS News December 15, 2016 December 15, 2016 In 2018, Heaggan-Brown was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of soliciting prostitution, two counts of obtaining someone’s image without their consent, and pleading no contest to false imprisonment.Associated Press 2018-02-21 Ex-Milwaukee Officer Sentenced To 3 Years For Sex Crimes https://www.wpr.org/justice/ex-milwaukee-officer-sentenced-3-years-sex-crimes 2025-06-05 WPR en-US Riots August 13 According to Tom Barrett, the first riot was "driven" by the protesters' social media messages encouraging to congregate in the area.http://www.cbsnews.com/news/call-for-calm-milwaukee-violent-protests-police-shooting/ Call for calm in Milwaukee after violent protests CBS News Associated Press August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Between 8:00 and 9:00p.m., hours after the shooting, a group of around 100 black protesters gathered near the scene at North Sherman and Auer to hold a protest, and confronted a line of 20–30 officers. Some of the protesters used social media to encourage others to participate in the demonstration. At some point, the protest turned violent.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/08/14/uneasy-calm-milwaukee-after-police-shooting-protests/88714718/ Uneasy calm in Milwaukee after police shooting, protests USA Today August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Aaron Mak Jacob Carpenter The Revolutionary Communist Party confirmed that some of its members were among the protesters and that they traveled to Milwaukee to "support a revolution" but did not intend to incite violence.Potter Kyle Communist Group Members Go to Milwaukee to Help 'Revolution' https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/communist-group-members-milwaukee-support-revolution-41408408 ABC News August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160818080720/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/person-shot-milwaukee-protest-repeat-riots-41387735 August 18, 2016 dead Several cars, including police squad cars, were set alight and a BP gas station was looted and set on fire as well. When additional officers dressed in riot gear arrived, gunshots were heard. Firefighters were initially unable to put out the gas station fire due to reports of shots being fired, but eventually extinguished the flames.http://www.cbsnews.com/news/police-shooting-in-milwaukee-sparks-violent-protest Police shooting in Milwaukee sparks violent protest CBS News Associated Press August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 The Milwaukee Fire Department reported that bricks were thrown at one of their trucks. One officer was treated at a hospital for injuries sustained after being hit by a brick. The protesters also attacked reporters and a photographer documenting the incident.Violence erupts after police shooting in Milwaukee https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/08/13/violence-erupts-police-shooting-milwaukee/88699670/ USA Today August 13, 2016 August 13, 2016 Aaron Mak Jacob Carpenter One reporter was shoved to the ground and physically assaulted. thumb|right|This O'Reilly Auto Parts shop was one of the buildings set on fire. An O'Reilly Auto Parts shop, a beauty supply store, and the local branch of BMO Harris Bank were also set on fire in the area.Niraj Chokshi Christopher Mele National Guard Deployed in Milwaukee Amid Unrest Over Fatal Police Shooting https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/14/us/violent-crowd-confronts-police-in-milwaukee-after-fatal-shooting.html The New York Times August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016Peter Holley Milwaukee protests turn violent after officer fatally shoots fleeing man https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/08/14/milwaukee-protests-turn-violent-after-officer-fatally-shoots-fleeing-man The Washington Post August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 A MetroPCS store was among the businesses that were looted.Robert Weich Milwaukee's Night of Unrest (Videos and Photos) http://www.cbs58.com/story/32754161/breaking-active-disturbance-structure-fire-police-officer-injured CBS News August 13, 2016 August 14, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160815153218/http://www.cbs58.com/story/32754161/breaking-active-disturbance-structure-fire-police-officer-injured August 15, 2016 dead mdy-all A supermarket and a liquor store were destroyed during the rioting, as well.Christie Green Milwaukee Wakes Up to Aftermath of Disturbance http://www.cbs58.com/story/32754891/milwaukee-wakes-up-to-aftermath-of-disturbance CBS News August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 In total, four police officers were treated for injuries during the riot and seventeen people were arrested. August 14 In the early hours of August 14, Mayor Barrett and other local officials urged residents at a press conference to help restore order. Barrett also urged residents to bring home any of their children who may be among the protesters. During the day, volunteers assisted police in cleaning up debris left by the riot. In the afternoon, about 100 people, mostly black, held a peaceful demonstration in front of the O'Reilly Auto Parts shop that had been burned during the riot. The crowd moved to the local police station and held their arms up in the air as a form of protest.https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/us/milwaukee-shaken-by-eruption-of-violence-after-shooting-by-police.html Milwaukee Shaken by Eruption of Violence After Shooting by Police The New York Times August 14, 2016 August 15, 2016 Kay Nolan Niraj Chokshi More unrest occurred on the night of August 14. About two dozen officers in riot gear responded to the scene. Protesters threw objects at officers and a person was shot in the neck near the site of the disturbance. Police had to use an armored vehicle to retrieve the victim from the crowd. The victim was then taken to the hospital for treatment. A police officer was also injured and treated when a rock smashed into a patrol car windshield.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/15/sylville-smiths-father-patrick-we-have-to-be-bette Sylville Smith's father, Patrick: We have to 'be better role models' The Washington Times August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 Jessica Chasmar August 16, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160816101416/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/15/sylville-smiths-father-patrick-we-have-to-be-bette/ deadhttps://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/person-shot-milwaukee-protest-repeat-riots-41387735 Police Chief Was Surprised by Violence After Fatal Shooting ABC News Associated Press August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 Todd Richmond https://web.archive.org/web/20160818080720/https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/person-shot-milwaukee-protest-repeat-riots-41387735 August 18, 2016 dead August 15 Protests continued on the early hours of August 15. Demonstrators were reported to have thrown objects and fired shots shortly after midnight.http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/15/us/milwaukee-violence-police-shooting Milwaukee shooting: Curfew imposed in hopes of restoring calm August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 CNN Madison Park Holly Yan Ray Sanchez Chief Edward Flynn said that the department's ShotSpotter system recorded a total of 30 instances of gunfire on the night of August 14.https://www.foxnews.com/us/sylville-smith-shot-twice-autopsy-shows-in-shooting-that-sparked-violent-milwaukee-protests/ Sylville Smith shot twice, autopsy shows, in shooting that sparked violent Milwaukee protests FOX News August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 By the morning of August 15, fourteen more people were arrested and four police officers were wounded, including the one hit by the rock smashing a windshield. A 10:00p.m. curfew was announced for teenagers. Three police cars and a BearCat vehicle were damaged, another vehicle and a dumpster were set on fire, and a store had its windows broken. The night of August 15 was relatively peaceful, with no property damage being reported. A few heated confrontations did occur, but were calmed down after six people were arrested.The Latest: Police Chief: Some arrests made but city calm http://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article95693197.html The News & Observer August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160821232217/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article95693197.html August 21, 2016 dead Police shooting investigation An investigation into the police shooting was initiated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Smith's autopsy was released on August 15, confirming authorities' account of the shooting that he was shot twice: once in the right arm and once in the chest.Medical Examiner confirms Sylville Smith had gunshot wounds to chest, arm http://fox6now.com/2016/08/19/medical-examiner-confirms-sylville-smith-had-gunshot-wounds-to-chest-arm/ 19 December 2016 fox6now.com August 19, 2016 City officials refused to release the police body camera video showing Smith's shootingVideo from body camera shows shooting death of Sylville Smith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u2TjzBN_E0 Youtube WISN 12 News 21 June 2017 pending the approval of the state Department of Justice.http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/family-milwaukee-knew-sylville-smith-high-school-article-1.2752684 Sister of Sylville Smith believes Milwaukee cop knew slain brother from high school The New York Daily News August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016 Nicole Hensley However, Barrett urged state officials to release the video as soon as possible, hoping it would placate protesters. On August 23, Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel said that releasing the video soon "would compromise the integrity of the investigation" and that it will not be unless charges are filed. After the first shot was fired, the video reportedly shows Smith throwing his gun away and falling, in a half-backwards roll, to the ground on his back, unarmed, with his legs and arms moving towards his head.DeLong Katie Jury trials set for former MPD officer who shot Sylville Smith, who's also accused of sexual assault http://fox6now.com/2017/01/12/jury-trials-set-for-former-mpd-officer-who-shot-sylville-smith-whos-also-accused-of-sexual-assault/ 11 April 2017 fox6now.com 10 April 2017 He was alive when the second shot fatally struck him in the chest rupturing his heart and a lung. 1.69 seconds elapsed between the shots.Sanchick Myra Former police officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown charged with fatal shooting of Sylville Smith http://fox6now.com/2016/12/15/dominique-heaggan-brown-charged-with-fatal-shooting-of-sylville-smith/ 15 December 2016 fox6now.com December 15, 2016 Heaggan-Brown testified that Smith was reaching for his waist when the second shot was fired. However, the video allegedly shows that Smith was never searched for a second firearm by the officers. Prosecution Criminal prosecution of Heaggan-Brown On December 15, 2016, ex-officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown was charged with first-degree reckless homicide stemming from Smith's death "under circumstances showing utter disregard for human life", as defined by Wisconsin state law.940.02 First-degree reckless homicide https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/940/I/02 Wisconsin State Legislature legis.wisconsin.gov 15 December 2016 During his first court appearance, on December 16, Heaggan-Brown wore protective clothing to prevent self-harm. His bail was set at $100,000.Sanchick Myra Bail set at $100K for former police officer charged with fatal shooting of Sylville Smith http://fox6now.com/2016/12/16/charged-former-police-officer-dominique-heaggan-brown-due-in-court-for-initial-appearance/ 17 December 2016 fox6now.com December 16, 2016 On December 23, Heaggan-Brown pleaded not guilty to the charge.Sanchick Myra Former police officer pleads not guilty to charge in fatal shooting of Sylville Smith http://fox6now.com/2016/12/23/former-police-officer-pleads-not-guilty-to-charge-in-fatal-shooting-of-sylville-smith/ 23 December 2016 fox6now.com December 23, 2016 On April 10, 2017, the court ruled that the trial must be held in Milwaukee County, and that the jurors will be chosen from that county. The judge thereby denied the defense's motion for a venue change and refuted the argument that pre-trial publicity, alleged anti-police sentiment, and prior police-involved shootings might prevent the defendant from getting a fair trial.Luthern Ashley Trial of ex-cop charged in Sherman Park shooting to stay in Milwaukee County http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/crime/2017/04/10/trial-ex-cop-charged-sherman-park-shooting-stay-milwaukee-county/100283896/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin= 10 April 2017 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel April 10, 2017 Jury selection started on June 12 and concluded the next day.AP Wire Service Bayatpour A.J. Opening statements in Dominique Heaggan-Brown trial suggest case will boil down to single gunshot http://fox6now.com/2017/06/13/jury-selected-for-dominique-heaggan-brown-trial-opening-arguments-set-for-tuesday-afternoon/ 13 June 2017 fox6now.com 13 June 2017 As the selection began, the court mandated that the jury be sequestered and that the jurors, both potential and actual, remain anonymous except to the prosecutors and defense.Bayatpour A.J. "An anonymous jury:" Judge denies request to delay jury selection in Dominique Heaggan-Brown trial http://fox6now.com/2017/06/12/judge-denies-request-to-delay-jury-selection-in-dominique-heaggan-brown-trial/ 12 June 2017 fox6now.com 12 June 2017 According to the district attorney, jury sequestration had not taken place in Milwaukee County for at least 23 years. The jurors in Heaggan-Brown's case were asked to stay in a hotel for the duration of the trial. Opening statements took place on June 13. During the trial, prosecutors argued that the second shot fired by Heaggan-Brown was unjustifiable since Smith was already on the ground gun-free, wounded and therefore unable to escape or resist, so the officer's fear for his life was unfounded. The defense countered that, in firing the second shot, Heaggan-Brown followed a police protocol to assume that if a person has one weapon, he might have another.Nolan Kay Bosman Julie Milwaukee Officer Is Acquitted in Killing of Sylville Smith https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/us/milwaukee-police-shooting-trial-protest.html 21 June 2017 The New York Times 21 June 2017 On June 20, closing arguments were delivered and jury deliberations began.Bayatpour A.J. AP Wire Service Jury deliberations to resume Wednesday in trial of former MPD officer who shot Sylville Smith http://fox6now.com/2017/06/20/closing-arguments-to-begin-in-trial-of-dominique-heaggan-brown/ 21 June 2017 fox6now.com June 20, 2017 On June 21, 2017, Heaggan-Brown was acquitted.https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/06/21/533840813/former-milwaukee-officer-found-not-guilty-in-shooting-death-of-black-man Former Milwaukee Officer Found Not Guilty In Shooting Death Of Black Man NPR.org June 21, 2017 Merrit Kennedy 2017-06-21 en Civil litigation The civil lawsuit filed on June 21, 2017, by Sylville Smith's family sought compensatory damages and attorney fees from Dominique Heaggan-Brown and the city of Milwaukee, as well as punitive damages from Heaggan-Brown. The 8-count federal lawsuit was brought in the United States Eastern District of Wisconsin.Attorney: Family of Sylville Smith files civil lawsuit against former officer, city http://fox6now.com/2017/06/21/attorney-family-of-sylville-smith-files-civil-lawsuit-against-former-officer-city/ 21 June 2017 fox6now.com 21 June 2017 On October 28, 2020, the city of Milwaukee and the family of Sylville Smith agreed to settle the ongoing lawsuit for $4 million. The approved settlement will cost the city about $480,000 each year for ten years. Estimated damage According to a Milwaukee Fire Department official, the riots caused around $5.8 million worth of damage to the neighborhood businesses. This "rough estimate" includes commercial real estate damage, as well as lost merchandise. At least seven businesses were affected.Anderson Madeline MFD: $5.8 million worth of damage done to Sherman Park businesses during unrest; 'And that's a rough estimate' http://fox6now.com/2016/09/07/mfd-5-8-million-worth-of-damage-done-to-sherman-park-businesses-during-unrest-and-thats-a-rough-estimate/ September 18, 2016 Fox 6, Milwaukee September 7, 2016 The ATF offered a $10,000 reward for information on the perpetrators of the arson fires set during the riots.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/15/atf-offers-10k-reward-in-milwaukee-riot-fires ATF offers $10K reward in Milwaukee riot fires The Washington Times August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 Jessica Chasmar Reactions Political Following the August 13 riot, Governor Scott Walker, under the threat of another riot in Milwaukee, declared a state of emergency in Milwaukee and put the National Guard on standby.https://www.wsj.com/articles/violence-erupts-in-milwaukee-after-fatal-shooting-by-police-1471157651 Governor Declares State of Emergency in Milwaukee After Shooting, Unrest The Wall Street Journal August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Shibani Mahtani Scott Calvert President Barack Obama was briefed on the situation.Joe Tacopino Scott Walker calls in National Guard after Milwaukee riots https://nypost.com/2016/08/14/scott-walker-calls-in-national-guard-after-milwaukee-riots/ New York Post August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 Police Chief Edward Flynn praised faith and community leaders for their efforts in curbing the violence on August 14, and assigned blame of the riots to members of the Revolutionary Communist Party, saying they organized additional protesters, which turned the initial protests violent. Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke wrote a controversial op-ed for The Hill, in which he blamed the riots on President Obama and liberals.https://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/crime/291435-sheriff-david-clarke-liberal-politics-and-media-fueled-milwaukee/ Sheriff David Clarke: Liberal politics and media fueled Milwaukee riots The Hill August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 David A. Jr. Clarke David A. Clarke Jr.Madison Park http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/16/us/milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-profile Wisconsin sheriff blames 'tribal behavior' for Milwaukee violence CNN August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016 Smith's family One of Smith's sisters, Kimberly Neal, urged protesters to stand down, saying violence was not the answer. Conversely, another sister, Sherelle Smith, encouraged protesters to focus the riots on suburban neighborhoods and burn them down.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/15/sylville-smiths-sister-sherelle-urges-crowd-to-tor Sister of Milwaukee man fatally shot by police urges crowd to torch suburbs: 'Burn that s– down!' The Washington Times August 15, 2016 August 15, 2016 Douglas Ernst Sherelle Smith's encouragement of violence in the suburbs was controversially edited out of initial online and televised reports by CNN, which were later updated to include her full statement.http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/14/us/milwaukee-violence-police-shooting/index.html Tensions high after Milwaukee police shooting CNN January 16, 2016 January 16, 2016 Emanuella Grinberg Thom Patterson Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story mischaracterized what the sister of Sylville Smith was trying to convey. She was calling for peace in her community, urging protesters to go elsewhere.http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/16/cnn-edits-out-milwaukee-victims-sister-sherelle-sm CNN edits out Milwaukee victim's sister calling for violence in 'the suburbs' The Washington Times August 16, 2016 August 16, 2016 Bradford Richardson Smith's father, Patrick Smith, acknowledged having been a "bad role model" to his son, and urged other parents to become better role models for their children. See also 1967 Milwaukee riot List of incidents of civil unrest in the United States References External links autocollapse Law Category:2016 in Wisconsin Category:2016 riots Category:African-American riots in the United States Category:Attacks in the United States in 2016 Category:August 2016 crimes in the United States Category:Crime in Milwaukee Category:2010s in Milwaukee Category:Riots and civil disorder in Wisconsin Category:Protests against police brutality in the United States Category:Anti-black racism in Wisconsin Category:Milwaukee Police Department