Rep. Bowen Statement on One-Year Anniversary of the Killing of Alvin Cole
“Our Goal is ... Justice and Dignity”
MILWAUKEE – State Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement in recognition of the one-year anniversary of the killing of 17-year-old Wauwatosa teenager Alvin Cole by then-Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah:
“One year ago today, Alvin Cole’s light went out of this world. Alvin was a child who was not perfect, and who needlessly was made to pay for his imperfection with his life. A child. A Black child from Milwaukee, frequenting the suburb of Wauwatosa’s local shopping mall. Today we mourn the loss of this young man, and we mourn the loss of the potential that the years ahead of Alvin may have held. We also pray for the Cole family, and we stand with them in their ongoing struggle for justice. But in our sadness, in our grief, we recommit once again to bringing change to Alvin’s community, to this state, and to this country. We recommit to the idea that no police officer has the right to be judge, jury and executioner, and that no child deserves a death sentence. We recommit to demanding top leadership in policing that doesn’t turn a blind eye to the excessive use of force when other more dignified options can and should be used.
Today, I also urge those who have been fearful or opposed to the idea of reform to take a moment to listen to those who march for change – our goal is not lawlessness or baseless critiques of law enforcement, but rather justice and dignity. I pray all come to the table laid before us, and work together to build a future that celebrates and preserves life; a future that ensures safety and justice for all.”
More about the Case of Officer Joseph Mensah
- Did Tosa Police Withhold Phone Data? - Isiah Holmes - Mar 20th, 2022
- Three Tosa Police Given Immunity in Jay Anderson Probe - Isiah Holmes - Feb 1st, 2022
- Special Prosecutors Appointed in Case Against Joseph Mensah - Corri Hess - Dec 8th, 2021
- Supervisor Clancy Applauds Probable Cause Decision in Death of Jay Anderson, Jr. - Sup. Ryan Clancy - Jul 29th, 2021
- Rep. Bowen Statement on John Doe Charging Decision Against Joseph Mensah - State Rep. David Bowen - Jul 28th, 2021
- Closing Arguments Delivered On Jay Anderson’s Killing - Isiah Holmes - May 20th, 2021
- Tosa Police Had Many ‘High Value Targets’ - Isiah Holmes - May 12th, 2021
- Tosa Police Chief Testifies About Mensah - Corri Hess - May 4th, 2021
- Body Cameras Key To Charges Against Police - Corri Hess - May 4th, 2021
- DA Explains Timing of Alvin Cole Decision - Isiah Holmes - Apr 15th, 2021
Read more about Case of Officer Joseph Mensah here
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