Ohio police officers fatally shot a knife-wielding man near the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Tuesday, sparking criticism and calls for an investigation from local residents and activists.

The man, identified as 43-year-old Samuel Sharpe, was armed with two knives and attempting to attack an unarmed individual when he was shot by five Columbus, Ohio police officers, who were assigned to the convention's security perimeter. The incident, captured on body camera footage, has led to an outcry from the community and demands for a transparent investigation by the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin. Critics have questioned the necessity of out-of-state police presence and suggested that local authorities might have handled the situation differently.

According to officials, the incident began when Sharpe, armed with two knives, confronted and attempted to attack an unarmed man. The officers reportedly issued multiple commands for Sharpe to drop his weapons, but he refused to comply. The situation escalated rapidly when Sharpe charged at the unarmed individual, prompting the officers to shoot. Two knives were recovered from the scene.

The body camera footage released by the Columbus Division of Police offers a detailed account of the incident. The video shows the officers' initial attempts to communicate with Sharpe, the moment he charged at his intended target, and the subsequent shooting. This footage has been a focal point in the discussions surrounding the incident, with some community members arguing that it underscores the urgency of the situation.

Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman defended the officers' actions, stating that they acted in a manner consistent with protecting a life that was in immediate danger. He emphasized the duty of the officers to prevent harm to the unarmed man being targeted by Sharpe. Chief Elaine Bryant of the Columbus Department confirmed that their officers were operating within their assigned security zone near the convention when the shooting occurred.

Despite these official statements, the shooting has been met with significant backlash from local residents and activists. A vigil and march held at the site drew around 100 people who expressed their outrage over the police action. Among the central points of contention is the presence of out-of-state officers, with some Milwaukee residents and activists questioning the necessity of their involvement in the situation.

Authorities have indicated that the initial altercation involving the knife-wielding man and another unarmed individual was not connected to the convention activities. The incident occurred near King Park, roughly a mile from the center hosting the Republican National Convention.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Wisconsin has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the shooting. They emphasized that an impartial and thorough review is essential to understand the circumstances and decisions made by the involved officers. The organization echoed the sentiments of many local activists concerned about the use of force and the external police presence in their community.

Samuel Sharpe's cousin confirmed his identity and has called for justice for his death. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office is scheduled to conduct an autopsy on Wednesday to determine the precise cause of death. This autopsy is expected to provide further details about the incident, although it is unlikely to alleviate the immediate community tensions.

Local leaders and activists have urged a reevaluation of how security operations are managed during significant events such as the Republican National Convention. The involvement of out-of-state officers and their operational protocols have come under scrutiny, with calls for ensuring that local law enforcement is better integrated and prepared to handle such incidents in the future.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the broader implications of the incident. While officials focus on the procedural aspects, many residents call for greater accountability and reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The dialogue between local authorities and community members will be crucial in addressing the heightened tensions and restoring trust.