Milwaukee leaders asking Chief Flynn to appear before Equal Rights Commission
MILWAUKEE- Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn is facing criticism after he walked out of public meeting about the death investigation of Milwaukee teen Darius Simmons.
Chief Flynn left the Police and Fire Commission meeting Thursday night before hearing the public's comments about the murder investigation of the 13-year-old.
Milwaukee Aldermen Ashanti Hamilton and Jose Perez as well as Alderwoman Milele Coggs are calling for Flynn to speak before the Equal Rights Commission about this investigation.
They say, "It seems quite clear to us the chief wanted to duck out without facing the people who wanted to ask him questions..." they add, "We think a very real opportunity at fostering communication and understanding--and perhaps healing, was lost.
Some in the community came out to Rufus King High School to listen and ask Chief Flynn questions about how his department handled the murder investigation
Officers held the teen's mother in a squad instead of letting her go to the hospital after the teen was allegedly shot and killed by his 75-year-old neighbor John Spooner on Milwaukee's south side. But before people could speak to the chief, he left.
Khalil Coleman with the grassroots organization, Occupy The Hood, attended the meeting.
"Yes it is a slap in the face," said Coleman. "It is an example of the situation they were talking about with the mom and the insensitivity to not just the family, but the community."
An MPD spokesperson said the chief was there to speak to the commission and it was not a public forum. That person also said the chief is now on vacation for two weeks.
Mayor Barrett also attended the meeting. He left before the public comments as well.
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