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Extra security for crowd attending Manney appeal
Extra security for crowd attending Manney appeal
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It did not take long for the courtroom to be filled to capacity as Christopher Manney's appeal hearing began Thursday afternoon, March 19th. Only 56 people can fit inside. Outside, a healthy crowd watched in an overflow room. Milwaukee police beefed up security and added extra officers to ensure everyone's safety.
Christopher Manney appeal hearing Day One
As the hearing was set to begin, folks waited in a slow-moving line outside the Municipal Court building on North James Lovell Street. They made their way through security, walking through metal detectors as officers watched closely.
While the Hamilton and Manney parties were let in early, for their supporters it was a slow process of moving through security. Everyone went through a metal detector, which is not uncommon when it comes to the Municipal Court building. The process took up to 45 minutes.
With a capacity of just 56, only the first to arrive made it inside the courtroom where the hearing is taking place.
"Very disappointing that it's being held in such a closed space, limited space, for folks not being able to get in and being able to stand in solidarity with this family," said Mike Wilder who attended hearing.
Those not in the hearing room watched on monitors in the overflow room.
Christopher Manney appeal hearing overflow room
"I prefer to be in the courtroom, but I prefer to be with the people I know," said Solana Patterson-Ramos.
Patterson-Ramos says she has been following this story from its beginning, even helping plan rallies in support of the Hamilton family.
Officer Manney's supporters were present for the hearing as well, some saying they arrived for their 'blue' family member.
Whatever side they may be on, supporters wanted those down the hall to know they were there in support.
"I felt like it was important to take a little bit of time to show my support," said Patterson-Ramos.
The crowd was very civil. FOX6 News did not witness any outbursts or much talking at all.
Phase one of the hearing is focusing on whether Manney violated police policy with his search of Hamilton. If the panel says “yes,” the hearing will go to the next phase. Phase two will determine whether Manney’s punishment (his termination from MPD) was appropriate.
The shooting itself is not expected to be addressed in the hearings. Unless there is a change, the Hamilton family (and the public) will have no opportunity to speak.
Manney appeal hearing
It’s not clear how long the hearing will last. Courtroom time has been set aside for the hearing on Thursday and Friday evening as well as Saturday during the day.