Soglin warns protesters will be arrested

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin says any protesters who break the law should expect to be arrested.

Scores of people are marching through the city to protest a prosecutor’s decision not to charge Madison police Officer Matt Kenny for shooting and killing an unarmed biracial man in March. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said Tuesday that he believes the shooting was justified.

Soglin said the city will provide “the greatest latitude” for anyone expressing their beliefs. But he said police won’t tolerate illegal acts such as the blocking of ambulances. He also urged protesters not to interfere with the arrests of others.

“We must rebuild trust where it has been lost, increase opportunities for every resident of Madison and invest in initiatives that promote equity and social justice,” Soglin said. “The district attorney’s decision closes one chapter in this tragedy, but it will not be the last word.”

The mayor acknowledged that many community members are unhappy about Ozanne’s decision, but he said there are many who support it.