Mayor Rhodes-Conway's Response to Officer-Involved Shooting

For Immediate Release
July 22, 2026

"I am angered and saddened by what happened today. My heart breaks for those who have lost a loved one, those who witnessed the shooting, and everyone impacted. There is real pain in our city right now. It's an absolute tragedy when a member of our community is killed by anyone, but especially by the police. I understand the anger, grief, and fear people are feeling - because I am feeling that too. As a city, as a community, as a society, we need to do better.

This incident leaves me, as I'm sure it does others, questioning why this happened and what can be done so it never happens again. What decisions were made by officers that led to escalation instead of deescalation? What different choices could have been made to prevent harm? What needs to change in police policy and training to prevent more deaths? Any officer-involved shooting needs to be rigorously investigated, and this one will be. While we do not yet know all the details, our community deserves full transparency and accountability.

For that reason, the State Department of Criminal Investigation will be conducting an independent investigation, and the officers involved have been put on administrative leave until the investigation is concluded. The Madison Police Department is cooperating fully and is not in charge of the investigation. We are at the first step of that process, and unfortunately, it will take time. But even beyond the formal investigation, there are questions that must be answered. It's understandable that people want answers now. I want them, too. And in the days and weeks ahead, the Common Council and I, as your representatives, will do our best to get and share information. As a first step, I encourage people to attend the community listening session organized by Common Council President Sabrina Madison. Those details will be released soon.

People have every right to peacefully protest, and it's important to me that those who want to exercise their First Amendment rights are able to do so safely. City staff are working to facilitate that. Please access mental health resources if you need to. Immediate support is available via the 988 crisis line, and Public Health Madison Dane County has additional resources.

Be safe and take care of each other."

- Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway