MADISON, Wis. — AtwoodFest is canceled this weekend in the wake of a deadly shooting by police on Madison’s near-east side.

In a message to volunteers shared with News 3 Now, festival music director Rökker Smith said the event would not be going ahead.

In a statement, festival organizers said canceling the event was important to allow neighbors the chance to mourn and come togehter.

“The heart of our neighborhood needs healing,” organizers said. “We encourage you to spend your time and energy this weekend on supporting events and spaces demanding change, mutual aid, and loving and supporting your friends and neighbors.”

The festival was set to be held on Saturday and Sunday, with three stages featuring dozens of artists throughout the weekend. The event is put on each year by the SASY Neighborhood Organization and the Barrymore Theatre and money raised supports grants for community projects.

However, the festival area is located roughly a mile away from the intersection of Williamson and Baldwin streets, where a police officer shot and killed 38-year-old Corey Ruiz on Wednesday.

Police said Ruiz was seen “checking vehicles” in the Marquette neighborhood and injured an officer with a knife when they tried to detain him. During the struggle, an officer fired three shots at Ruiz, killing him.

Madison Police Chief John Patterson said Thursday that the shooting is being treated as an open and active homicide investigation. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Divison of Criminal Investigation is examining evidence in the shooting and will turn over its findings to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, who will decide if criminal charges are filed.

The shooting has led to ongoing protests in Madison. Demonstrators took to the stage at Concerts on the Square Wednesday night, leading to the concert being canceled.

The Madison Public Market also postponed its grand opening on Thursday in solidarity with Ruiz’s loved ones and the community. Demonstrators had announced a plan to protest in front of the market and disrupt the grand opening.

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