OfficerBlueMilwaukee, WI – Four years after Dontre Hamilton was fatally shot by an officer while he was beating the cop with his own baton, the city of Milwaukee has named a day after him.
A proclamation issued by the City of Milwaukee said, “Mayor of the City of Milwaukee does hereby proclaim Monday, April 30, 2018 to be Dontre Day,” according to WITI.
“Whose day? Dontre Day! Whose day? Dontre Day!” a crowd chanted at Red Arrow Park.
Hamilton was shot in April 30, 2014 after two calls came from workers at a nearby Starbucks requesting police check on Hamilton, who was sleeping on a park bench.
The desk sergeant called Officer Christopher Manney’s cell phone and left a voicemail asking him to check on the man.
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Because Officer Manney didn’t answer his phone, two other officers were dispatched to check on Hamilton. The two officers made contact, determined that he was not causing any problems, and then left.
When Officer Manney finished handling the call he was on, he received the voicemail from the sergeant. Officer Manney was was unaware that other officers had checked on Hamilton, and he went to contact the man.
Officer Manney contacted Hamilton, helped him up, and started to frisk him for weapons. Hamilton then turned on the officer and started punching at him.
The two engaged in a full-on fight, and Officer Manney pulled out his baton. The officer swung the baton at Hamilton, but Hamilton was able to grab it and disarm the officer.
Hamilton then struck the officer in the neck with the baton. Officer Manney backed away while drawing his gun, and Hamilton advanced on him.
Officer Manney opened fire on Hamilton, but said that the bullets didn’t appear to have any effect, and he kept firing until Hamilton stopped.
It was later released that Hamilton has a history of mental health issues and had recently stopped taking his medication for his schizophrenia.
The District Attorney determined that the use of force was justified.
According to USA Today, District Attorney John Chisholm said at the time, “based on all the evidence and analysis presented in this report, I come to the conclusion that Officer Manney’s use of force in this incident was justified self-defense and that defense cannot be reasonably overcome to establish a basis to charge Officer Manney with a crime.”
Despite the use of force being justified, Chief Edward Flynn fired Officer Manney for violating department policy by frisking a mentally ill person.