Still
angry over the January fatal police shooting of a 36-year-old father of
three, Hmong leaders urged city officials Saturday to improve the
police department's understanding and treatment of their people. Lo
Neng Kiatoukaysy, executive director of the Hmong / American Friendship
Association Inc., praised Police Chief Nannette Hegerty for her
willingness to probe issues raised by the shooting death of Tou Yang.
"The verdict is still out on the rest of the Milwaukee Police
Department," Kiatoukaysy added. Hegerty defended the officers involved
in the Yang shooting, but she acknowledged that the police force
sometimes lacks the tools needed to deal with Hmong or other racial and
ethnic minorities. "On behalf of the people of the city of Milwaukee,
I'm sorry that this tragedy occurred," the mayor said. "If there is one
message I can leave, it is: We must be one." Wisconsin is home to about
40,000 Hmong people who emigrated from their native Laos. Yang, who was
described by family members as suffering from a mental illness, was
fatally shot by police officers Jan. 20 after a three-hour standoff
that began when social workers arrived at his west side home. Police
said they shot Yang after he opened fire on them as they entered the
home. The shooting was ruled justified by Racine County District
Attorney Michael Nieskes. [more]
- Pictured above: Milwaukee Police Chief Nannette Hegerty (left) listens to a question from Xia Lee Yang of West Bend, grandfather of Tou Yang, during a meeting with the Hmong community and the Milwaukee Police Department at Grace Hmong Alliance Church, at W. Greenfield Ave. and S. 27th St., on Saturday.