MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The family of Corey Ruiz is calling for peace as Madison protests continue in the days after his death.
Corey Ruiz’s family released a statement on Wednesday, thanking people who have shown up for Corey.
“Keep fighting for justice, peacefully and together,” the family said. “Our family is not affiliated with any group, and you do not need our approval to demand accountability.”
Corey Ruiz(Ben Crump Law)
Ruiz, 38, was shot and killed by a Madison Police Department officer on Wednesday, July 22, in the intersection of Williamson Street and S. Baldwin Street. Police had said Ruiz was armed with a knife.
In the days after the shooting, an encampment formed at the intersection. Vehicles, tents, tables and a memorial were all placed in the intersection, which shut down traffic for nearly two weeks.
Early Tuesday morning, City of Madison crews cleared the intersection.
The Corey Ruiz family said Wednesday that it did not organize or approve of any encampment in the intersection. The family also noted they never agreed to a statement that was released in their name about the encampment, nor have they been asked about it.
“We ask everyone at that corner and everyone wearing a badge to keep this peaceful,” the family said. “No one else should be hurt in Corey’s name.”
The family said they welcome a memorial for Corey.
City of Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said during a news conference on Wednesday that the City is thinking about how to move forward after the encampment was cleared, including plans on a memorial.
The Corey Ruiz family also shared a GoFundMe account, which is being used to provide mental health services and grief counseling to the family. It will not go toward legal or funeral expenses.
Attorney Ben Crump is representing the family of Corey Ruiz.
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