Protesters Storm Highway in Milwaukee After No Indictments Against Police Officer Who Killed Armed Teen

This evening, it was reported that the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office ruled that no indictments be sought for Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah in the February shooting death of 17-year-old Alvin Cole. Cole was armed, although his gun was disabled, unbeknownst to Mensah. 

The scene in Milwaukee has quickly turned into chaos as Black Lives Matter supporters marched through the streets and onto Interstate 94, streaming past a police line that was setup with cars even going past through the grass.

The protesters just took the freeway here in Milwaukee. Not enough police to stop them #MilwaukeeProtests #AlvinCole #Wauwatosa #JosephMensah #Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/pU2a8SBjv4

— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) October 7, 2020

Protesters and police clash as protesters move towards the interstate. pic.twitter.com/g7UkMp8oMK

— 620wtmj (@620wtmj) October 7, 2020

The police have were ready though and have mobilized to start arresting those who have entered the highway illegally.

Police headed onto interstate. pic.twitter.com/Ms8nhcpULo

— 620wtmj (@620wtmj) October 7, 2020

Police begin arresting protesters on the interstate. pic.twitter.com/aAoZ0iMGmp

— 620wtmj (@620wtmj) October 7, 2020

A protester is arrested by Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Deputies for marching onto the interstate. pic.twitter.com/MF4FiNNIlY

— 620wtmj (@620wtmj) October 7, 2020

District Attorney John Chisholm wrote of his decision, “In this case, there is sufficient evidence that Officer Mensah had an actual subjective belief that deadly force was necessary and that belief was objectively reasonable.”

He continued, “I do not believe that the State could disprove self-defense or defense of others in this case and therefore could not meet the burden required to charge Officer Mensah.”

Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber said in a separate statement that his department “concurs with the decision” made by District Attorney Chisholm and called Cole’s death “a tragedy.”