Decision looms: Hamilton supporters preparing to react; National Guard on standby



MILWAUKEE (WITI) — We could learn any day now whether the officer who shot and killed Dontre Hamilton in Red Arrow Park will be charged.

Since late April, the Hamilton family has been waiting to hear whether former officer Christopher Manney will be charged in this case. Manney has already been fired for action leading up to the shooting of Hamilton. Supporters of the Hamilton family have spent months protesting — demanding action.

74 protesters were arrested on Friday, December 19th for blocking traffic on I-43. On Sunday night, December 21st, Hamilton supporters turned out for what was called an emergency meeting.  The purpose of the meeting was to talk about Friday’s demonstration that shut down interstate traffic. The group plans to fight the citations.

In the meantime, Dontre Hamilton’s brother expects the decision on charges will be announced soon.

“I’m in contact with my lawyer and we’re waiting so that’s all we can do right now is wait,” said Nate Hamilton.

Nate couldn't speak about the citations, but he did want to address the police chief’s comments that the incident was a ‘breach of trust.’ Hamilton says the trust between protesters and police was gone the day his brother was killed.

“I feel the chief of police, he has to rebuild the trust, not as, we don’t have to rebuild the trust,” said Nate Hamilton.

Protesters say they plan to fight the citations issued Friday and are collecting money to help those who were jailed. On their Facebook page, protesters said they wanted to collect any video, pictures or other information they can use to fight the citations. In a separate post, they condemned the recent murders of two police officers in New York — reminding followers they do not condone senseless acts of violence.

“I’m gonna continue to bring awareness to the city. I’m gonna continue to try and make this city look at things more clearly,” said Nate Hamilton.

Law enforcement agencies are anticipating another wave of demonstrations this week. Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke says the National Guard is on stand-by just in case crowds get out of control.

FOX6 News is monitoring this story and will continue to update when more information becomes available.

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