Madison officer fatally shoots man with knife near Capitol

A Madison police officer fatally shot a man who had injured him with a knife during a physical struggle on a city street Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The incident, which occurred in the Marquette neighborhood less than two miles from the Wisconsin State Capitol, was captured on cellphone video that circulated widely and prompted immediate protests.

According to Madison Police Chief John Patterson, officers responded to the area around 1:35 p.m. on July 22, 2026, after receiving reports of a person attempting to enter parked vehicles and stealing bicycles. Officers located a man in his thirties, who then fled on a bicycle through nearby backyards. The man was contacted again at the intersection of South Baldwin and Williamson streets. During the ensuing encounter, the man either fell or was taken off his bike, leading to a struggle with four officers.

Chief Patterson stated that during the struggle, the man pulled out a fixed-blade knife and injured one officer. Officers attempted to use a Taser, but it was unsuccessful. The officer who was injured by the knife then fired his weapon, striking the man. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced...