7/23/2026
For Immediate Release
On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in broad daylight, Corey Ruiz was shot three times during an encounter with the Madison Police Department. This devastating incident resulted in Corey's death, and our community now mourns his loss. YWCA Madison grieves alongside Corey’s loved ones, the Willy Street neighborhood, our Madison community, and all those living through the pain, anger, fear, and uncertainty of this moment.
A Statement from YWCA Madison on the Death of Corey Ruiz &
Our Call for Accountabilty
Every loss of life that raises questions about justice, safety, and the value placed on Black lives reverberates far beyond the immediate tragedy. It activates collective grief and brings to the surface the enduring trauma of racism, police violence, and the disproportionate use of force against Black communities.
Corey's death does not exist in isolation. It is part of a longer history that impacts the Willy Street neighborhood and our city. The Madison community continues to grieve the deaths of Tony Robinson, who was fatally shot by a police officer just blocks away in 2015; Paulie Heenan, who was killed by an officer in 2012; and Michael Schumacher, who was fatally shot by an officer in 2016. Though each of these deaths occurred under different circumstances, they are part of a broader pattern surrounding policing, accountability, and systems that too often resort to deadly force in the name of public safety.
Meeting this Moment with Intention
We call upon elected local officials, including Mayor Rhodes-Conway, the Madison Common Council, and the Police Civilian Oversight Board, to ensure a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into Corey's death, communicate openly with the public, and take meaningful steps toward shared accountability without delay.
We encourage you, members of our Madison community to exercise your democratic rights by contacting City Alders at allalders@cityofmadison.com to share concerns, ask for transparency, ensure an independent investigation, and advocate for meaningful accountability.
Across our community, leaders from all walks of life and organizations such as Freedom Inc. are organizing networks of care, creating spaces to grieve, and courageously meeting the moment. We are grateful for the leadership of community members leading these efforts.
Those who would like to honor Corey’s life and stand in solidarity are invited to attend a Candlelight Vigil TONIGHT, Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM on the corner of Williamson and Baldwin Street.
Finding Our Way Together
In the coming days, YWCA Madison will continue to work alongside community partners to support one another, engage peacefully, hold space for those who are grieving, and nurture opportunities for collective healing.
We remain steadfast in our mission and our commitment to building a community where justice, equity, healing, and the inherent dignity of every person are lived realities and ongoing practices. Even in moments of profound loss, we believe our path forward lies in telling the truth, caring for ourselves and one another, and leading with our values: humanity, community, growth, and restoration.