Two Milwaukee Police Officers Shot in Ambush, Suspect Remains at Large
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 27, 2025 — Two Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) officers were shot and critically injured in what authorities described as an “ambush” while responding to a call about a person with a weapon near 25th and Garfield on Thursday night, June 26. The suspect remains at large, prompting a citywide manhunt and heightened public safety concerns.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. when officers responded to a report of a suspect with a weapon near 25th and Garfield. Assistant Police Chief Nicole Waldner, visibly emotional during an early morning press conference, said the call escalated to “shots fired” en route. Upon arrival, the officers were unexpectedly fired upon in an alley, unable to return fire. A 32-year-old officer with over six years of service was critically wounded and remains in critical condition at Froedtert Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center. A 29-year-old officer, also with six years of service, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is stable.
“It’s a sad day. No officer should ever be fired upon,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, urging the suspect to surrender. “The men and women of this police force will find you, arrest you, and you’ll be brought to justice.” The Milwaukee Police Association expressed “profound sorrow and outrage,” noting the officers face “unimaginable suffering” and long recoveries.
Ongoing Manhunt and Community Response
Authorities are searching for at least one suspect, described as a “known” individual, though no further details have been released. The MPD has called for community prayers and gratitude for first responders, doctors, and nurses aiding the officers. Yellow police tape cordoned off the area, with a significant police presence reported, as seen in videos shared on X.
However, conflicting posts on X, including claims from @CNNEnemedia and @TeksTherapy alleging one officer was killed, lack verification from official sources and should be treated with skepticism. The MPD and Mayor Johnson have confirmed both officers are alive, though critically injured.
Context of Recent Violence
This incident follows a pattern of violence against Milwaukee officers. On June 12, a 30-year-old officer was shot near 46th and Hampton during a pursuit, with the suspect also wounded. In February, a 34-year-old officer was shot near 27th and Wisconsin, with the suspect killed. The MPD has faced 11 officer-involved shootings in 2025, per CBS58, reflecting heightened risks in a city grappling with gun violence.
What This Means
The ambush underscores the dangers Milwaukee officers face amid rising violent crime, with the MPD’s Homicide Unit leading the investigation. The suspect’s status as “at large” heightens community tension, and the lack of suspect details suggests a fluid situation. Publishers covering this story should monitor MPD updates and avoid unverified X claims, like those alleging a fatality. The officers’ recovery and the suspect’s capture will likely shape local discourse on police safety and gun violence, with a press conference expected later today for further details.
