Five Columbus police officers shot and killed a man during an incident near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Tuesday afternoon.
The shooting took place about five blocks outside of the Republican National Convention’s outer security perimeter.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office said an adult male was shot and killed. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
A video that Columbus police released Tuesday evening shows Columbus police talking in a circle. Then one says, "He's got a knife. Yes he does."
Officers run toward two men. One officer yells, "Drop the knife!" Another officer yells, "Drop your knife!" They then fire at a man who appears to have a knife in each hand and was walking toward the other man.
Editor's Note: The below video contains footage showing Columbus police officers firing their weapons at a man near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Some may find this footage disturbing.
Columbus Division of Police said in a statement multiple CPD officers were involved in the shooting. The statement said the shooting happened in the outer perimeter of the RNC, within the operational zone the officers were assigned to.
"At this time, it does not appear that this incident was related to the convention," the statement said.
FOP Capital City Lodge #9 President Brian Steel said during a Tuesday evening press conference that multiple Columbus bike officers fired their guns.
"I know multiple officers discharged their weapon. I know that these officers are trained officers. They are trained to police, whether it's in Milwaukee or Columbus. They're trained to recognize a threat. They're trained to stop a threat. And that's what they did," Steel said.
The officers were teamed up with police officers from Madison, Wisconsin, and were on patrol at a park at the time the shooting happened.
According to Steel, the officers encountered someone who was armed with a weapon. Officials said witnesses at the scene stated a man was armed with two steak knives. The man was allegedly waving the knives at another person and possibly the police officers.
The statement said the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team is actively investigating the shooting.
Steel also said Columbus sent 40 officers, including dialogue officers and two bicycle squadrons, to assist Milwaukee police at the RNC.
“Anytime you have at a major event such as RNC, DNC, inauguration, national disaster officers from across the country, they go up there and provide support,” Steel said.
Steel confirmed an incident took place and that the Columbus officer involved was okay, but could not provide additional details.
Steel said he doesn't know if CPD officers provided medical aid to the man who was shot, or if the law in Columbus that they must would be applicable in Wisconsin.
Steel said the FOP prepares for “worst-case scenarios” and had FOP representation arranged in Milwaukee for officers.
He said the incident is an example of the dangers officers face every day.
"They go out there not knowing what you're going to run into. And we're just thankful that the officer's okay," Steel said. "We'll continue to pray for anybody impacted by this. It's a tragic event either way."
The names of the officers have not yet been released, nor has the name of the man who died.
The CPD officers involved in the shooting will return to Columbus after state investigators in Wisconsin give approval. The Columbus officers that were not involved in the shooting are expected to finish out their duties at the RNC.
In a statement, Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said that the city of Columbus will support a full and thorough investigation.
"Columbus officers were guests in Milwaukee, but they take an oath to protect and serve, wherever and whenever they are called to service," Ginther said.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said in a statement that she told Milwaukee police that she was releasing the body cam footage.
Steel said it's common for Columbus police to travel to big events like the RNC or presidential inaugurations. It's not known if CPD had plans to go to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, but the shooting could change those plans, Steel said.
Steel also said people should trust that the police officers acted appropriately.
"You have to give them the benefit of doubt. The officers will go through a lengthy investigation, and at the end of the day, it'll be up to a judge and jury ultimately to decide if the officer's actions were in policy or not," Steel said.
