"It's a public safety issue:" Protesters demand release of body camera video in Sylville Smith case

MILWAUKEE -- Family and friends of Sylville Smith marched the streets of downtown Milwaukee on Friday afternoon, October 28th. The group is demanding that the Milwaukee police officer who fatally shot Smith in August be charged in his death.

Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy issued a statement on Friday afternoon, asking the Milwaukee County District Attorney to release body camera footage of Smith's death.

The statement was released just a few hours after protesters interrupted a budget meeting going on at City Hall so that they could speak directly with the Common Council. They asked council members to stand with them in demanding transparency in Smith's death.

A Milwaukee police officer fatally shot Smith back on August 13th during a traffic stop at 44th and Auer.

Smith's death sparked unrest in the Sherman Park neighborhood for days -- and those involved in the protest say that turmoil continues to some extent today. That is because the D.A.'s office has not decided yet whether the officer will be charged in the case.

"It's a public safety issue. There are people getting arrested, there are homes being damaged. There's disarray between the community. And then we have police-community relations that are deteriorating by these tapes not being released," said Vaun Mayes, community activist.

Several other Common Council members also agreed on Friday to write and sign a letter to Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Police Chief Ed Flynn and D.A. John Chisholm that the public be allowed to view the body camera video.

CLICK HERE to read a joint letter to D.A. John Chisholm from nine aldermen