MADISON — The family of Corey Ruiz, the man killed during an interaction with Madison police Wednesday, has retained attorney Ben Crump.
Crump, who specializes in civil rights, said bystander video reviewed by his legal team appears to show that Ruiz was tased and taken to the ground before officers opened fire.
"The video gives us a clear picture of what happened. Corey Ruiz was tased, taken to the ground, and then he was shot multiple times at close range, including in his face. This case has to be examined for excessive force. It happened in broad daylight, in front of dozens of witnesses. The family deserves the truth, and the public deserves accountability."
Watch: Protests continue in Madison following police shooting
Police were called Wednesday afternoon after reports of a man trying to get inside several parked cars. When officers caught up to Ruiz, police say he pulled out a large knife and injured an officer during the struggle. Officers attempted to use a Taser, but it did not work. An officer then opened fire, killing Ruiz.
The case is now being described as an open and active homicide investigation.
Protesters gathered, and a memorial grew Wednesday on the street where the shooting took place.
In Madison, protests continued Thursday night. The evening started with a vigil on Williamson and Baldwin, the scene where Ruiz was shot and killed.
At the demonstration, several speakers called for transparency and answers from Madison leaders and the Madison police department. The Ruiz family was present.
After nearly three hours at the scene of the shooting, Hundreds of protesters marched from the east side of Madison all the way through downtown, even shutting down John Nolan Dr for several minutes.
They then made their way to the Capitol building and down State Street.
“This isn’t the first time that a Black person was brutalized by MPD on Willy Street. Police Brutality nationwide is really rough to see, and the community here knows it too well,” Said Lina U.
