Milwaukee Police Place Restrictions On Protesters

Milwaukee police are putting limits on a group’s marches through the city’s downtown.

City police officials told the Coaliton for Justice on Tuesday night that the group could march in the street on a designated route or stay on a sidewalk. Otherwise, the marchers would be arrested.

The decision troubles coalition member Maria Hamilton, whose son Dontre Hamilton was killed by a Milwaukee police officer during a confrontation.

“We’re not supposed to be in the streets. We’re interrupting people from getting home to get their kids. But, I actually told them that my child can’t come home. There’s a lot of children in America that has been murdered this year who can’t go home to their families at 5 (p.m.) in the evening,” Hamilton said.

A Coalition for Justice march in downtown Milwaukee on Monday evening that was critical of police shootings of African-Americans was peaceful, but about 200 people temporarily blocked intersections.

Mayor Tom Barrett has released a statement supporting the new police rules.

“It is imperative for the safety of all citizens and police officers, that vehicle and pedestrian traffic safety are not compromised,” the mayor said in the statement.