MILWAUKEE — An investigation is underway in Milwaukee to find out exactly what led up to five Columbus police officers shooting and killing a knife-wielding man on Tuesday.
The shooting happened just after 2 p.m. Eastern time when the 13 members of the bike unit providing security near the Republican National Convention were getting debriefed on what to expect for the day.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said the officers noticed a man with two knives lunging after another man.
"Somebody's life was in immediate danger. Again, two knives were recovered from this particular situation. Someone's life was in danger. These officers, who are not from this area, took upon themselves to act to save someone's life,” Norman said.
In a news conference Tuesday night, Norman explained the Milwaukee area investigating team will investigate the shooting with suburban police department Greenfield taking the lead.
“The officers saved a life that day. They took immediate action to a person attempting to inflict serious bodily harm and we commend them for their actions. It's tragic someone lost their life. We certainly pray for that individual and their family, but we commend our officers for saving a life that day,” said Lieutenant Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9.
Steel explained the investigation will be handled in a similar way as if it happened in Columbus. He said ahead of the officers leaving, they put a local union attorney on stand-by who has assisted the officers.
Norman said the officers have already talked to investigators. The five Columbus officers will be placed on administrative leave for up to 60 days.
The big question people may have is why Columbus officers were patrolling a mile away from the RNC.
The agreement to deploy Columbus officers to provide security at the RNC states that officers have to abide by a 2021 order signed by Ohio District Court Judge Algenon Marbley regarding crowd control.
This bars officers' use of tear gas, pepper spray, wooden bullets and other so-called "non-lethal force" against non-violent protesters.
That's why they were placed in an area where there would be few protestors, Steel said.