Update: 3:37 p.m.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett’s administration made the final decision to stop the purchase of tear gas for Milwaukee Police to use for security during the upcoming Democratic National Convention, according to Milwaukee’s Common Council president.
“While council members had some objections and some concerns about those delivery systems, it was ultimately the administration that pulled the plug,” said Common Council President Cavalier Johnson during WTMJ’s “Wisconsin’s Afternoon News” on Thursday. “It was the Mayor who said the use of tear gas was inappropriate.”
Johnson believes that the decision was at least partially in response to the use of tear gas during recent protests. They stemmed from the killing of George Floyd by now-fired Minneapolis Police officers last month.
“Looking on the ground, I think it would be extremely tone-deaf to move forward,” he said.
While understanding the MPD’s point of view, believing it might be necessary during the convention, Johnson also cited what believes people are asking for when it comes to how law enforcement responds to situations.
“The Milwaukee Police Department doesn’t currently require for situations to be de-escalated,” Johnson explained. “I’d be more inclined to support efforts like that.”
The Common Council will also have a more watchful eye on particular police funding requests, according to Johnson.
“When it comes to the purchase of military grade equipment, yes, the council probably will be a finer-tooth comb going through those things,” he said.
Original story: 1:32 p.m. (from the Associated Press)
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Police Department is asking city leaders to reconsider purchasing more tools for deploying chemical irritants, saying the equipment might be needed at the Democratic National Convention in August.
Bids to purchase the tools were canceled after several Common Council members raised objections Wednesday citing the police department’s use of tear gas and rubber bullet during recent protests over police brutality.
The Journal Sentinel reports the police department says the equipment would be used to protect the public from armed suspects, hostage situations and active shooters.
MPD said the decision to cancel the bids was made without any input from law enforcement, including the Secret Service.
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