Alderwoman Hopes to Generate Public Discussion on Sylville Smith's Death

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs introduced a Common Council communications file to allow public discussion of details in the case of Sylville Smith, the man who was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer during an August 13 incident near N. 44th and W. Auer.

The death of Smith, 23, sparked civil unrest and prompted an emergency curfew order for those under age 18.

The officer-involved shooting is under investigation by the state Department of Justice.

Alderwoman Coggs, chair of the Council’s Finance and Personnel Committee, said open public discussion of the case is important going forward. “My goal is to allow for dialog and open discussion about the case, which has family and community members looking for information, looking for answers,” she said.

“My communication file can help spur public discussion about the case once facts are flushed out upon completion of the investigation,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

The file, introduced during today’s regular meeting of the full Common Council at City Hall, is expected to be assigned to the Public Safety Committee.