Fatal Shooting of Homeless Man by Columbus Police Officers Sparks Controversy at GOP Convention

Milwaukee-area police are investigating the fatal shooting of a homeless man by five Columbus police officers, which occurred near the Republican National Convention, sparking controversy among local residents.

The incident unfolded as the officers encountered a dispute involving the homeless man, identified as Samuel Sharpe Jr., who was holding knives in both hands, just blocks away from the convention in downtown Milwaukee.

Despite not being related to the GOP gathering, the shooting took place as the officers intervened, instructing Sharpe to drop the weapons. When he moved towards another individual, they opened fire, resulting in his death, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, who deemed the officers’ actions justified.

Activist Alan Chavoya from the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression voiced concerns, citing their prior warnings against bringing in out-of-town officers unfamiliar with Milwaukee’s dynamics, arguing that local authorities are better equipped to handle such situations.

The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team, led by the Greenfield police department, is currently probing the shooting, which occurred less than a mile from the convention.

Samuel Sharpe Jr., known as Jehovah, was a homeless man residing in a tent encampment at King Park in Milwaukee. Described as a peaceful individual who frequented the park with his dog and a Bible, Sharpe’s death has deeply impacted the community.

Notably, the five officers involved in the shooting were from Columbus and were part of the enhanced security measures employed for the convention, with around 4,000 officers from external agencies being brought in.

Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther defended the officers’ actions, stating they acted in line with their training. Milwaukee Alderman Robert Bauman suggested that a local officer might have handled the situation differently, emphasizing the importance of familiar officers in such contexts.

Various local figures, including Shelly Sarasin from Street Angels and Aurelia Ceja from the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, criticized the involvement of Columbus officers, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach when addressing issues related to homelessness.

Maria Hamilton, a resident, expressed concerns over the use of external officers and called for their swift departure from the city, emphasizing the imperative of de-escalating tense situations without resorting to fatal force.