MADISON (WKOW) — Madison-area elected officials are calling for a peaceful end to the 24/7 protest occupation and street blockade at Williamson and Baldwin streets following the July 22 police killing of Corey Ruiz, citing growing public safety concerns and impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.
Madison District 6 Alder Davy Mayer and Dane County Board Supervisor Yogesh Chawla said they have been at the site daily since Ruiz’s death, helping residents, businesses and protesters while working to ease tensions. While supporting continued demonstrations, they said the occupation has become unsustainable as outside agitators and other safety concerns have emerged.
The officials are urging a community-led resolution that would remove barricades, connect people at the site with housing and services, and create a permanent memorial honoring victims of officer-involved killings.
Madison Ald. Tag Evers also called for protesters to end the blockade, arguing it delays emergency vehicles and negatively affects nearby residents and businesses. In a Sunday blog post, Evers said many protest demands fall outside the city’s authority and warned that declaring the encampment a law-enforcement-free zone creates additional safety risks.
Despite differing approaches, the officials agreed the situation should be resolved peacefully while allowing demonstrations over Ruiz’s death to continue.
MADISON (WKOW) — The City of Madison is preparing to reopen the intersection at Williamson …