"Closer than we were before:" Moving forward in Milwaukee one week after violence in Sherman Park
Moving forward in Milwaukee one week after violence in Sherman Park
Moving forward in Milwaukee one week after violence in Sherman Park
MILWAUKEE -- It has been seven days since a Milwaukee police officer shot and killed an armed man, sparking chaos in the city. Despite the violence, leaders say they see hope and a chance to build a stronger Milwaukee.
One week ago, a city saw chaos -- buildings and cars set on fire and businesses looted.
"I just couldn't believe it," said Quinlan Bishop, Save Our Souls.
Quinlan Bishop watched the Sherman Park neighborhood in the middle of the mayhem.
"Once I got down here, it was really just, I felt bad for what I saw," said Bishop.
Bishop spoke with FOX6's Brad Hicks that night, in a video that has now gone viral and has over 27,000 likes on Facebook and 37,000 shares.
Quinlan Bishop
"This will not get anything done...period," Bishop says in the video.
Now one week later, he has optimism.
"I've gotten messages from all across the country. A lot of people said their hearts and minds have been healed," said Bishop.
From the ashes people have come together, cleaning up the destruction and preaching peace while trying to move forward stronger.
"Despite something bad happening, let's make sure it doesn't happen again and become closer than we were before," said Bishop.
Bishop says the unrest has inspired him to continue to do positive work in the community.
"Milwaukee looks promising to me," Bishop said.
He sees a city ready to take on its challenges.
Quinlan Bishop
"I think people have a willingness to come to the table and sit down and talk about what needs to be done, discuss real solutions and get down to the root causes," said Bishop.
Bishop says the images do not define Milwaukee -- instead they are inspiration.
"It can't just be a reminder of what happened and what used to be, it should be a trigger for 'OK, what happens next,'" said Bishop.
Several businesses are being demolished because of damage.
Criminal investigations continue for the arsons and looting.