MILWAUKEE (WTAQ) – On a 3-0 vote Monday night, Milwaukee’s Fire and Police Commission upheld the firing of officer Christopher Manney, for violating police rules before he killed Dontre Hamilton.
The decision came at the end of a five-day appeal hearing in which Manney sought to return to the police force — even though he filed for duty-disability retirement two days before he was let go.
Commissioners ruled that Police Chief Ed Flynn was justified to terminate the white Manney, for approaching the black Hamilton from behind while he was resting on the ground last April at Milwaukee’s downtown Red Arrow Park.
A scuffle resulted during the officer’s pat down, and Hamilton reportedly hit Manney with the officer’s baton before Manney shot and killed him. Race-related protests followed.
Hamilton’s brother Nate cried upon hearing Monday night’s verdict, saying that Dontre spoke for change.
Police attorney Mark Thomsen said the hearing showed that the department conducted what he called a “fair, thorough internal investigation.” But Thomsen said it was “not a happy night,” and it’s time to think about what Milwaukee is as a city, and where it’s going.
Mayor Tom Barrett later said the most important thing is to find a way for the city to “heal and move forward.”
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
