Milwaukee Police Investigate Death of Black Man in Incident Echoing George Floyd
Milwaukee police are investigating the death of a Black man, Dvontaye Mitchell, in an incident that has drawn comparisons to the 2020 killing of George Floyd. Video footage has emerged showing hotel security guards pinning Mitchell to the ground as he called for help.
The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, shows Mitchell lying on the ground outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, crying out for help as security guards restrain him with their hands and knees. Mitchell can be heard grunting and yelling apologies. According to Mitchell’s attorney, he had mental health issues.
Ben Crump, a civil rights lawyer representing Mitchell’s family, has stated that a witness reported seeing one of the guards striking Mitchell in the head with an object. Police have not addressed these allegations.
Crump has expressed deep concern regarding the incident, stating, “It is deeply troubling that we have lost another Black man in an encounter with security personnel, raising serious concerns regarding the use of force, lack of accountability, and absence of mental health considerations. The circumstances surrounding Dvontaye’s death outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel are disturbing and as described by a witness, reminiscent of the killing of George Floyd.”
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with many drawing parallels to the death of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis in 2020 following a police officer knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. Floyd’s death sparked a wave of global protests once morest racial inequality and police brutality.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Police were called to the Hyatt on June 30 for a report of a person causing a disturbance. They received reports that the person began fighting while being escorted out. Upon arrival, officers found Mitchell unresponsive and attempted to revive him, but were unsuccessful.
Mitchell’s mother, Brenda Giles, believes her son was suffering from a mental health episode at the time of the incident. She has called for justice for her son and for the release of all footage related to the incident.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled Mitchell’s death a homicide, but this does not necessarily mean that someone else is legally responsible for his death. The office defines homicide as “death ‘at the hands of another’ regardless of intent,” based solely on the medical evidence.
The incident has raised concerns regarding the training and practices of hotel security personnel, particularly in dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises.
The Need for Mental Health Awareness and Training
The tragic death of Dvontaye Mitchell highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and training regarding mental health issues, especially in public spaces and within security personnel.
Mental health crises are often misunderstood and mismanaged, leading to potentially dangerous situations. Security personnel, who are often the first responders in such situations, need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to de-escalate situations and provide appropriate support.
The lack of mental health awareness and training can have devastating consequences, as seen in the case of Dvontaye Mitchell. It is crucial to invest in resources and training programs that equip security personnel with the tools to handle mental health crises effectively and compassionately.
The incident also underscores the importance of addressing the systemic issues that contribute to racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The disproportionate number of Black individuals who experience violence at the hands of law enforcement and security personnel is a troubling trend that demands immediate attention.
As a society, we must work towards creating a more just and equitable system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of race or mental health status.
