Twin Cities groups to hold solidarity vigil for Corey Ruiz, killed by Madison police

A memorial for Corey Ruiz features a raised fist sculpture from George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, symbolizing solidarity between the Twin Cities and Madison, Wis., where Ruiz was fatally shot by police on July 22. Photo: Lavish Mack

Twin Cities racial justice organizations are calling on community members to gather Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil and solidarity rally honoring Corey Ruiz, the 38-year-old man who was fatally shot by Madison police last week.

Organizers say the gathering is intended to show support for Madison residents demanding accountability following Ruiz's July 22 death and to reaffirm solidarity among communities confronting police violence.

The Minneapolis rally comes as connections between the two cities have grown in the days since the shooting. A raised fist sculpture from George Floyd Square has been transported to Madison, where it now stands at the memorial honoring Ruiz.

Police said Ruiz was armed with a fixed-blade knife and that an officer opened fire after a Taser deployment was unsuccessful. The officer who fired the shots was injured during the encounter.

Videos recorded by bystanders have circulated widely online, fueling calls for transparency and accountability. Wisconsin's Department of Justice is conducting an independent investigation, while Madison's Office of the Independent Monitor has also launched a review, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. 

Rod Adams, founder and executive director of the New Justice Project, said the Twin Cities has a responsibility to stand with Madison, recalling how people across the country rallied behind Minneapolis after George Floyd was murdered in 2020.

"We remember in 2020, when our brother George Floyd was murdered, how the rest of the country and the rest of the world showed up for us," Adams said. "It is our duty as Black people to show up when our community's under attack."

Adams said the vigil is about more than one city, arguing that Black communities nationwide are facing continued attacks and should unite in response.

"This is our fight," he said. "We have to be able to stand in solidarity with Madison, but we also have to stand in solidarity with Black communities all over this country and all over the world."

He urged people to attend Thursday's gathering, saying collective action remains essential even if lasting change takes time.

"My ask to you is to show up," Adams said. "Bring your rage, bring your joy, bring the belief that you showing up and taking that first step can change the world."

Tonight's rally in Minneapolis begins at 6 p.m. at Currie Park, 500 15th Ave. S., and is being organized by Communities United Against Police Brutality, Black Lives Matter Minnesota, Party for Socialism & Liberation, Twin Cities Coalition for Justice, Wrongfully Incarcerated & Oversentenced Families Council and the New Justice Project.

Ruiz's death has sparked widespread protests throughout Madison, where hundreds of people have attended marches and vigils. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing Ruiz's family and has called for a full investigation into the use of force. The shooting has also renewed debate over Madison's lack of body-worn cameras for police officers.