D’Vontaye L. Mitchell, a 43-year-old Black man, died in Milwaukee on June 30, 2024, after being restrained by security guards outside the Hyatt Regency, sparking calls for justice and comparisons to George Floyd's death.

D’Vontaye Mitchell's death has been ruled a homicide by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, intensifying public outrage and demands for accountability. Videos of the incident show security guards pinning Mitchell down for several minutes, reminiscent of George Floyd's fatal encounter with police in 2020. Although no charges have yet been filed, Mitchell’s family, represented by attorney Ben Crump, is calling for justice, alleging excessive force and mishandling of a mental health crisis. The case is currently under review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office.

Witnesses captured videos during the incident, in which it can be seen that security guards held down Mitchell with their knees pressing on various parts of his back. The videos also record security personnel instructing Mitchell to 'stay down' and 'stop fighting.' One guard mentioned an incident involving Mitchell entering a women’s bathroom, but the exact circumstances leading up to the confrontation remain unclear.

According to initial reports, Mitchell was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the incident. His family has confirmed this, stating that he had been struggling with depression since the death of his father in 2016. Onlookers report that Mitchell was restrained by the security guards for several minutes before police arrived on the scene. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office has since ruled his death a homicide.

The incident has drawn significant attention due to the similarities with the 2020 death of George Floyd, which led to widespread protests against police brutality and systemic racism. D'Vontaye Mitchell's family, particularly his widow, DeAsia Harmon, is demanding that the security guards involved face charges. Harmon has revealed that the couple's daughter is now fearful of security officers, compounding the family's grief and distress.

Hyatt and Aimbridge Hospitality, the institutions responsible for the security guards, have responded by suspending the employees involved in the incident. Both companies have stated that they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation being conducted by local authorities. Despite these measures, the family and their supporters continue to press for more concrete actions, including criminal charges against those involved.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case to determine if charges should be filed. The case has highlighted concerns about the handling of individuals experiencing mental health crises, and whether the approaches utilized by security personnel are appropriate in such circumstances.

In the wake of Mitchell's death, many in the community have gathered to show their support for his family. A vigil was held outside the Hyatt Regency, where attendees called for justice and an end to excessive use of force, particularly in situations involving mental health issues. Family members described Mitchell as a loving father and brother, deeply affected by personal loss, rather than the initial report which claimed he was homeless. This misinformation has added to the family's frustrations as they seek accountability and recognition of Mitchell's true character.

Shawn Moore, a witness to the tragic incident, expressed his regret for not intervening more assertively during the confrontation. Moore’s sentiments reflect a broader communal feeling of helplessness and the hope that advocacy efforts will lead to systemic changes.

The broader context of this incident touches on longstanding issues of racial injustice and the treatment of Black individuals by law enforcement and security personnel. Leaders in the African American community have already begun to mobilize, calling for thorough investigations and systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies.

Attorney Ben Crump, known for his involvement in high-profile civil rights cases, has taken up the cause for Mitchell’s family. Crump's participation underscores the significance of the case and the urgent calls for a thorough investigation. He has highlighted the need for protocols that adequately address mental health crises without resulting in unnecessary violence or death.

As investigations proceed, Milwaukee awaits the findings of the District Attorney's review with the hope that transparency and justice will prevail. The memory of D’Vontaye Mitchell continues to fuel advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring that proper measures and training are implemented for handling mental health situations, and that those responsible for his death are held accountable.