'Certainly An Attempt To Harm Him,' Wauwatosa Police Chief Says

WAUWATOSA, WI—Wauwatosa Police Chief Barry Weber said police know the identity of the person accused of firing a gun at suspended officer Joseph Mensah at his home Saturday night but the identity will not be released right now. Weber made the comments on the Mark Belling Show Tuesday.

Mensah, a Black Wauwatosa police officer, was suspended after being involved in three fatal shootings of people of color over the past five years. Police say he was attacked and shot at while at home on Saturday night. A group of 50-60 people showed up at the officer's home near 100th Street and Vienna Avenue in the Milwaukee suburb around 8 p.m., "targeting" him, according to police.

Weber said on the show Tuesday there was "certainly an attempt to harm Mensah and whether or not they were shooting directly at him or in close proximity, anything could have happened with that crowd."

The large group first vandalized the home and then became more violent, Wauwatosa police said in an initial statement about the incident.

"Officer Mensah attempted to establish a dialogue with the group but was ultimately physically assaulted outside his home," police said in a statement. "As Officer Mensah retreated into his home, armed protesters approached the rear door and a single shotgun round was discharged by a member of the group into the back door," police said.

One gun shot?

Weber also responded to Rep. David Bowen’s statement that called Mensah a liar.

“If he (Rep. Bowen) was at the scene, I would certainly invite him to come and give us a statement so we can make sure we do a complete investigation," Weber said.

Bowen stated on Facebook that he was there when the incident unfolded.

Bowen said Mensah "choosing to come out of his house aggressively to provoke these passionate people, many of whom have lost someone they loved, who want to change this broken system is disturbing. None of them displayed any behavior to welcome the provoking threats of violence by Joseph Mensah."

Bowen called the narrative by Mensah and the Wauwatosa Police Department, "totally inaccurate, irresponsible and false".

"No one tried to kill him or his girlfriend. That's a lie. No one tried to enter his home. That's a lie. There weren't several shots fired. Another lie. No protester shot at the back door. That's the biggest lie. Joseph Mensah chose to engage with a protestor, and pulled the trigger on that individual's firearm," Bowen's statement said.

The police chief called the accusation that Mensah fired the gun as "ludicrous.”

Wauwatosa Police Department also posted a response to Bowen's statement on Facebook.

"The Wauwatosa Police Department has seen Rep. Bowen's statement, and the facts do not support his comments. The investigation remains open and ongoing. We anticipate releasing more information once it is completed," the post said.

Weber told Belling the department is still investigating and said police always have more information than they are willing to give out. Police have video from neighbors as well as protesters, Weber said.

"The best I can tell, there was one shot fired that we know of," Weber said.

Belling asked Weber if the gunshot was aimed at Mensah.

“We believe that is indeed true," Weber said.

He added that he believes Mensah was out in his yard when protesters came to his property and the situation escalated after that.

Support for Wauwatosa Police

Weber believes the Wauwatosa community supports the police department.

“Once citizens start swinging back and say they won’t tolerate it anymore, the pendulum will swing back. That’s where we are at right now.

“As long as I have the position as chief of police. I’ll do what is necessary to keep order in our city,” he said.

Asked if he’s welcome support from federal government or another agency, he said, “We will take any support we can get for anything. I’m not sure there are any federal crimes that have been violated.” However, he said police have been in contact with the US Attorney.

Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner has offered to send federal law enforcement assistance to Wauwatosa. The mayor declined the offer.