WAUWATOSA — The attorney representing the family of Alvin Cole said there still much work to be done, even after Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm's decision not to prosecute now-suspended Wauwatosa police officer Joseph Mensah in Cole’s death.
"We stand with anyone who is fighting for their right to be heard,” said Cole family attorney Kimberly Motley.
Motley spoke outside the Wauwatosa Police Department one day after four members of Alvin Cole’s family were taken into custody during protests.
Motley was joined by State Rep. David Bowen as well as Jacob Blake Sr., whose son, Jacob Blake Jr., was shot by Kenosha police in late August.
"What we experienced as peaceful protesters last night was storm trooper-type tactics,” Blake said.
Bowen said he believes officers knew they were arresting Cole and her daughters.
"There was no one out there who shouldn't have recognized Mother Cole,” Bowen said.
Wauwatosa police say the group crossed into city limits at 7:00 p.m., as curfew began.
Two minutes later, police declared it an “unlawful assembly,” as a number of protesters including the Coles were arrested.
Blake said he's disgusted after seeing another suffering family like his arrested while fighting for justice.
"You have a right to peacefully protest and it was taken away from us last night,” Blake said.
Motley said she plans to look into legal matters regarding a violation of civil rights during the arrests.
