According to The Columbus Dispatch, a police officer fatally shot Samuel Sharpe Jr., a homeless man wielding two knives, in Milwaukee after he charged at another individual during an altercation.
The incident took place near North 14th and West Vliet Streets, less than a mile from the Republican National Convention's security perimeter.
Bodycam footage released Tuesday night captures the moment when Columbus police officers confronted Samuel Sharpe Jr., a homeless man armed with two knives, in Milwaukee. The video reveals Sharpe charging at another individual, prompting officers to shoot and kill him.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman confirmed that thirteen Columbus police officers were in the area for a briefing when they witnessed the altercation. According to Norman, preliminary information indicates that Sharpe held a knife in each hand during the confrontation.
Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther emphasized that although the officers were guests in Milwaukee, they had a duty to protect and serve wherever they were called to action. "Columbus officers were guests in Milwaukee, but they take an oath to protect and serve wherever and whenever they are called to service," he stated.
The Columbus officers involved in the shooting are being sent back to Ohio. The Milwaukee Area Investigative Team will handle the investigation, with Columbus pledging full cooperation. Mayor Ginther reiterated the city's commitment to transparency and accountability, deferring to the local investigative team for updates.
Witnesses at the scene reported that Sharpe, known as "Jehovah," was a familiar figure in the local tent encampment. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner has confirmed the death of an adult male.
Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, provided additional details, stating that Sharpe was waving steak knives at people, leading to the fatal shooting. Steel also noted that no Columbus officers were injured in the incident.
The shooting marks the eighth instance of Columbus police officers discharging their weapons this year, with previous incidents occurring in June and May.
Milwaukee police had requested additional security assistance from various departments across the country for the Republican National Convention. Columbus officers were among those providing support and may also assist with security at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Shelly Sarasin, co-founder and director of Street Angels, a local outreach organization, expressed grief over Sharpe's death. "He was a person. He was human," she said, highlighting the trauma experienced by those who knew him. "This is more trauma on top of trauma for those who knew him and still live here," she added.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation has not been requested to assist with the case, as they lack jurisdiction outside of Ohio. The investigation remains under the purview of the Milwaukee Area Investigative Team.
A Columbus police officer fatally shot Samuel Sharpe Jr., a homeless man wielding two knives, in Milwaukee after he charged at another individual near the Republican National Convention's security perimeter. The bodycam footage, released for transparency, shows the confrontation leading to Sharpe's death. Thirteen Columbus officers were in the area for a briefing when they witnessed the altercation and responded. An investigation is underway, with Columbus cooperating fully and emphasizing transparency and accountability.
