from Pastor Cathy Weigand and Kevin Williams, Lay Leader
As we grapple with the feelings and frustrations over the shooting death of Corey Ruiz on July 22, we might ask ourselves, as people of faith: How are we called to respond? You may also be wondering, What can I do, practically, to bring both healing and accountability to this tragic situation?
First, let’s start with a few facts.
- In accordance with Wisconsin law, Corey’s death will be investigated by an independent third party, namely, the Department of Criminal Investigation that is part of the state DOJ. This investigation can take weeks to months. By way of example, the investigation into the March 2015 shooting death of Tony Robinson took 67 days to complete and release a report.
- Upon completion, the results of that investigation will be turned over to the Dane County District Attorney (Ismael Ozanne) who will decide whether to bring criminal charges against the officer(s) involved in the shooting. If the DA charges the officer(s), the results of the DCI investigation will not be made publicly available until the conclusion of the prosecution of those charges. If the DA chooses not to charge the officer(s), DCI will make their findings public in a report.
- Based on publicly available records, it does not appear that the Dane County DA’s office has prosecuted any law enforcement officer for an on-duty firearm-related death in recent years, nor are there any recent records of a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin being convicted of such a case.
- The primary civilian oversight bodies for the Madison Police Department are the Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) and the Office of Independent Monitor (OIM), both of which play an important role in accountability, transparency, and rebuilding trust in our community.
- Currently, the Office of Independent Monitor has initiated its own investigation into the death of Corey Ruiz.
Even as these processes unfold, we are reminded that this is not only a legal matter—it is a deeply human and spiritual one. A life has been lost. A family is grieving. A community is hurting.
What Can We Do As a Community of Faith?
Advocacy work is hard work, and often requires persistence over time. But as followers of Jesus, we are called not to turn away, but to engage—to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God and one another.
First Church has long sought to live into its calling to be downtown for good—showing up in moments like this with compassion, courage, and a commitment to justice. This is one more moment where that calling matters.
Here are some practical ways we can respond together:
- Reach out to your alder. Call, write, or meet with them to share your concern about Corey Ruiz’s death and the broader pattern of officer-involved shootings in our city. Let them know that meaningful reform and accountability matter to you.
- Support community oversight. Express your support for the Police Civilian Oversight Board and Office of Independent Monitor, including adequately funding the organizations so they can be effective in their work of accountability and trust-building. Nationwide, funding levels for similar oversight organizations range from 1-5% of the local police budget. In Madison, current funding for the PCOB/OIM falls substantially short of that mark.
- Engage with city leadership. Contact the mayor’s office to share your perspective on public safety measures, including the implementation of body-worn cameras and the policies that guide their use.
- Show up. Presence matters. Consider attending the upcoming Common Council meeting or the community vigil. If you would like to attend with others from First Church, we will share a time for those who wish to go together.
- Write together. If you’re unsure how to begin, join us after worship at designated tables where we will have sample letters and space to write to local leaders together. Sometimes it’s easier to act when we do so in community.
- Have the hard conversations. Engage with family, friends, and neighbors—even when perspectives differ. Listening and speaking with care is part of the work of building a more just and compassionate community.
- Vote with intention. Engage candidates on issues of justice, accountability, and public safety. Ask how they will work toward a more equitable Madison.
These are not just individual actions—they are ways we live out our shared calling as the body of Christ.
In Matthew 25:40, we are reminded: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
So we ask again: Where is God calling us, as a congregation, in this moment? How will we respond—not only in words, but in the ways we show up, speak out, and stand alongside those who are grieving? This is our time—not only to react, but to live our faith.