Tracy, activists cheer FPC's decision to fire Schoen

MILWAUKEE -- A small group showed up at Tuesday's Fire and Police Commission hearing at Milwaukee City Hall. But their response to the decision to permanently discharge Richard Schoen from the Milwaukee Police Department was big.

Many of those who were present at Tuesday's hearing are activists who have become increasingly vocal about what they claim is misconduct within the Milwaukee Police Department.

"It's about injustice. And injustice for one is an injustice for everybody," activist Tory Lowe said.

Dashcam video showed Schoen punching Jeanine Tracy while she was handcuffed in the back of a squad car.

"It was terrible. I didn't know what was about to happen -- if I was going to lose my life. I couldn't protect myself. I couldn't do nothing. I had to basically accept what was given to me in hopes of it ending soon," Tracy said on Tuesday.

There is growing concern in the community that misconduct is growing within the MPD. The Commission's ruling is now seen as motivation for others seeking justice, like the family of Derek Williams.

Williams died while in police custody, in another incident caught on dashcam video. Williams was seen in the video struggling to breathe and asking for help, before collapsing inside the squad.

"The first decision was wrong in the first place. It's like my nephew. The tape speaks for itself. When you have evidence right in front of your face," Maeleen Jordan, Derek Williams' great aunt said.

When Schoen originally got his job back, there were protests and marches. Some criticized the protesters. Activists say they didn't "pressure" the FPC to change its decision, but did get it to take a second look.

FOX6 News has tried contacting Schoen's attorney numerous times. He has not made himself available for comment.