Madison Police Chief Mike Koval is pleading for his city to remain calm, and says he offers transparency when it comes to details surrounding the shooting death of 19-year-old Tony Robinson. Despite that, protests continued Saturday night, and Robinson's mother says she is reminded of incidents across the country involving unarmed black men and police.
Police say Madison Police Officer Matt Kenny, a 12-year veteran of the force, shot Robinson after he was running in the streets. Officials say he was believed to have been involved in some kind of fight. Police found Robinson at his apartment where the officer said he heard a disturbance inside. There was a fight between Kenny and Robinson, after which Kenny opened fire.
Throughout the city, including at Robinson's former high school, people showed their support, but teenagers spoke about the confusion of the situation.
"To be honest it's hard to know what the real story is," said Kye Burcham, a senior at Memorial High School. "Nobody knows exactly what happened. I think it's good that people are protesting and voicing their words."
Koval said he understands the anger but he's ready for the department to answer questions.
"I want to be very transparent," Koval said.
"My son is now another statistic of the things that are happening all over the United States," said Andrea Irwin, Robinson's mother. "Another black kid shot by the police for no reason."
The state's Department of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting.
Churches in the area are planning to remember Robinson Sunday morning, and although at least one group plans to come together to discuss future protests, nothing is scheduled.