This incident was unlike the recent police-related deaths of unarmed Black men, including Alton Sterling. Smith was armed, a foot chase ensued and he refused to drop his gun, according to authorities. The clashing of citizens and police is more indicative of a tipping point for the city of Milwaukee in regard to racial tension mixed with oppressive economic conditions.
City Alderman Khalif Rainey said Saturday tension between Black residents and police has turned the area into a “powder keg.”
“What happened tonight may not have been right and I am not justifying that, but no one can deny the fact that there are problems, racial problems in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that need to be rectified,” Rainey said. “This community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has become the worst place to live for African Americans in the entire country.”
