Wis. Dem to ask for DOJ probe of Milwaukee case

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) said Monday that a district attorney’s decision not to charge a white Milwaukee police officer for shooting a mentally ill black man underscored a “disheartening” perception for African-Americans.

Moore, whose district is based in Milwaukee, said the case appeared to be the latest in a pattern of white police officers going free after killing unarmed black men, in Ferguson, Mo., Staten Island, N.Y., and Cleveland, Ohio. She said she will ask the Department of Justice to conduct its own investigation of the case.

{mosads}”This decision is just one of many in recent weeks that continue to perpetuate a disheartening notion that there is a significant lapse in accountability for reckless officers and the behavior they employ in our communities,” Moore said in a statement.

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced earlier Monday that former officer Christopher Manney won’t be charged for shooting Dontre Hamilton because he was acting in self defense.

Moore, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, urged protesters to remain peaceful.

“It is paramount that we channel our collective grief and frustration in a constructive manner. We must rigorously pursue justice, including changes to police procedure and training regarding the appropriate use of force. This, not violence, will honor Dontre’s memory,” Moore said.

—David McCabe contributed.