Associated Students of Madison Responds to Fatal Madison Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting
Posted: 2026-07-23 04:38:50 Expiration: 2036-04-07 14:38:50
Associated Students of Madison
333 East Campus Mall, 4301 Student Activity Center
Madison, WI 53715
Website: asm.wisc.edu Phone: 608.265.4276
E-mail: info@asm.wisc.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 July 2026
CONTACT:
Drew Wesson, Press Office Director
press@asm.wisc.edu
Associated Students of Madison Responds to Fatal Madison Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting
This statement serves as the official statement of the Associated Students of Madison regarding the fatal MPD shooting that occurred in Madison on July 22, 2026.
MADISON, Wis. — Yesterday's fatal MPD shooting has left many members of the UW-Madison community grieving, shaken and searching for answers.
The Associated Students of Madison (ASM) extends our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of Corey Ruiz who was murdered. We also recognize the emotional impact this tragedy has on those who witnessed the incident, those who have seen the videos circulating online and the many students who are struggling to process what happened.
As the elected voices of UW–Madison students, ASM believes it is important to acknowledge the fear, sadness, frustration and uncertainty that many members of our community are experiencing. No loss of life should leave our community feeling unheard or unsupported.
ASM condemns police brutality in all forms and are deeply saddened to see this occur so close home once again. In March of 2015, unarmed Tony Robinson was murdered in Madison near where the shooting occurred yesterday afternoon. Richard Lee Johnson, another community member, also died in police custody. We mourn the loss of Tony Robinson, Richard Lee Johnson and now Corey Ruiz. The Black community deserves to feel safe and welcome in Madison.
Every loss of life deserves dignity, transparency and proper accountability. We recognize that the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation has assumed responsibility for reviewing this incident and we demand a thorough, independent and transparent investigation so that the facts are fully established and the public can have confidence in the process.
We recognize that many students have expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding this incident and the use of deadly force. Those concerns deserve to be heard and we encourage open, honest communication throughout the investigative process.
Moments like these can deepen fear and uncertainty, particularly for students who have experienced trauma or who are affected by violence in their own communities. We encourage university leadership, local officials and community partners to continue supporting students and to communicate openly as more information becomes available.
If you are struggling with the emotional impact of this incident, we encourage students to seek support through University Health Services, trusted friends and family, or other mental health resources. No one should have to navigate grief or uncertainty alone.
The Associated Students of Madison stands with our campus community during this difficult time. We remain committed to fostering a university where every member of our community is treated with dignity and respect, where students feel heard and where transparency, compassion and accountability guide us forward.
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-- Associated Students of Madison