The family of a black man shot by an off-duty police officer has stated that while they believe the shooting was “justified,” they are also aware of police efforts to release videos and manage protests in order to prevent misinformation.
Elijah Wilkes, 26, was shot on Thursday, October 9, following a minor traffic incident involving an unnamed Milwaukee officer en route to work.
Recently released footage reveals Wilkes approaching a 40-year-old plainclothes officer, brandishing a gun, and striking him in the face.
As he retreated, Wilkes pointed his handgun directly at the officer, prompting the officer to fire in self-defense.
Wilkes was declared dead at the scene, while the officer, a military veteran with 21 years of service, was hospitalized with minor injuries.
Typically, police take about 15 days to make such videos public, but Wilkes’ family requested an expedited release to combat misinformation.
“We believe this officer-involved shooting was justified,” stated the family’s attorney, Bivory Lamar, during a news conference. He acknowledged that Wilkes made a poor choice, leading to a tragic outcome, and that the officer acted according to his training.
“The Wilkes family has witnessed the truth firsthand, and they want the public to see it too. They prefer transparency over rumors and division,” he emphasized.
Latrice Bell, Wilkes’ aunt, mentioned that the family does not plan to pursue legal action and is simply observing what the video reveals.
“My nephew made a decision that he shouldn’t have, and that’s something we need to come to terms with,” she reflected.
Wilkes’ family indicated he was en route to his uncle’s funeral when the incident occurred, implying that his actions may have been out of character.
The West Allis Police Department is conducting the investigation into the shooting.
