Madison Mayor Demands Barricades Removed from Corey Ruiz Memorial

On July 22, a Madison police officer fatally shot 38‑year‑old Corey Ruiz after a confrontation at the intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson Streets. The shooting sparked community vigils and the creation of a makeshift memorial that later turned into an encampment, blocking the intersection and disrupting local traffic, businesses and emergency services.

Mayor Satya Rhodes‑Conway has called for the barricades and tents to be taken down, describing the encampment as unsafe and unsustainable. She urged a “respectful transition,” offering city assistance to clear vehicles and preserve artwork, while working with Ruiz’s family on a permanent memorial. The mayor also directed attention to existing homeless services, including the soon‑to‑open Bartillon men’s shelter.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting an independent probe, and the four officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the district attorney’s review.