Story perspectives

Madison Officer Shoots Man, DOJ Probes; $400K Cameras Funded

7/26/2026

Summary

Madison Officer Shoots

Madison police officer shot 38-year-old Corey Ruiz on July 22, 2026 after he drew a knife.
The Ruiz family hired attorneys Ben Crump and B’Ivory LaMarr after a thousand protesters marched to Capitol on July 23, 2026, seeking an excessive-force review and criminal charges.
Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a probe, placed officers on leave, and canceled the Chamber Orchestra concert, AtwoodFest, and Madison Public Market opening.

Summary

Madison Funds Cameras

$400,000 will fund body-worn cameras for Madison police, to be phased in over three years.
Oversight monitor Aeiramique Glass will subpoena evidence, issue a report recommending discipline, and stress strict activation and retention rules.
Madison recorded 309 use-of-force deaths statewide from 2021-2024, with the city firing weapons in four incidents and none in 2025.
Mayor Rhodes-Conway said the budget will fund the cameras and policy will be set before January.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 a videotaped beating of Rodney King sparked national outrage; a 1994 civil jury awarded him $3.8 million and forced the Los Angeles Police Department to adopt new oversight measures. Those reforms inspired citywide body-camera programs, and Madison’s mayor Rhodes-Conway and attorney Ben Crump are now purchasing cameras for local officers to echo that legacy.

1 of 3

Madison Officer Shoots

Madison police officer shot 38-year-old Corey Ruiz on July 22, 2026 after he drew a knife.
The Ruiz family hired attorneys Ben Crump and B’Ivory LaMarr after a thousand protesters marched to Capitol on July 23, 2026, seeking an excessive-force review and criminal charges.
Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a probe, placed officers on leave, and canceled the Chamber Orchestra concert, AtwoodFest, and Madison Public Market opening.

1 / 3