Video of Off-Duty Milwaukee Police Officer Shooting Now Released

The Milwaukee Police Department has released a video depicting an off-duty officer involved in a shooting incident that occurred on October 9. The footage, captured by the officer’s dash camera, has sparked a significant public discussion and has been made available to the public to address community concerns.

Details of the Incident

The dash cam footage captures a sequence of events starting with a minor collision on Mill Road. Elijah Wilks, a 26-year-old male, is identified as the person who exited the front vehicle after the fender bender. According to reports from both the Milwaukee Police Department and the police union, Wilks allegedly struck the off-duty officer in the face with a firearm, leading to a shooting exchange between the two.

Family’s Response

Elijah Wilks’ family, after viewing the video, expressed their agreement with the justification of the officer’s actions. The family’s attorney, B’Ivory Lamarr, stated that the video showed Wilks pointing a firearm at the officer, prompting a response in compliance with the officer’s training.

When confronted with a firearm, individuals and officers alike may act in self-defense if they feel threatened.

The family had urged the department to delay the release of the video to allow them time to grieve. However, after grainy surveillance footage surfaced on social media, they believed it was important to release clearer footage to provide a better understanding of the events that transpired.

Community Impact

The release of the video aligns with a new policy by the Milwaukee Police Department, promising the release of such footage within 15 days of an incident. This policy also ensures that family members are shown the video within 48 hours of the event.

According to attorney Lamarr, public access to the video is essential for community healing and transparency. The incident has highlighted the importance of accountability and the continuous discussion of public safety and police interactions in Milwaukee.

• The incident occurred on October 9.
• The video was released shortly after amid public interest.
• The officer reacted after being confronted with a firearm.
• Policy mandates video release within 15 days; family viewing within 48 hours.

In a somber gesture, Wilks’ family released balloons after a press conference, reflecting on the tragic event and remembering Wilks as a loved family member despite the incident.