Statement on homicide charges against Sylville Smith shooter
"Today's announcement that charges have been brought on Sylville Smith's shooter is an important step toward justice for Sylville, his family and friends, and a community that mourns his death."
MILWAUKEE – Over four months after the shooting death of Sylville Smith, Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced homicide charges today against the police officer who killed Mr. Smith. Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement on the announced charges:
“Today’s announcement that charges have been brought on Sylville Smith’s shooter is an important step toward justice for Sylville, his family and friends, and a community that mourns his death. Nothing the legal system does could end the grief of those who knew and loved Sylville, but it can bring the peace of mind of knowing that rogue police officers acting outside and above the law are subject to accountability.
“The body camera evidence as detailed by the criminal complaint also shows that politician David Clarke is all talk when he says “police brutality doesn’t exist.” Shooting an unarmed person laying on his back in the chest is without question police brutality.
“I am grateful for the national and local community organizations like Color of Change as well as the Smith family for their consistent and peaceful pursuit of justice for Sylville and other victims of police brutality. They should be very proud of their efforts to assert accountability for acts of injustice.
“I encourage law enforcement and community leaders to come together to work with lawmakers to make changes to the justice system to ensure accountability for officers who act outside the law.”
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