Hmong Community Want Justice in Milwaukee Police Killing of Tou Yang

Still angry over the January fatal police shooting of a 36-year-old father of three, Hmong leaders urged city officials Saturday to improve the police department's understanding and treatment of their people. Lo Neng Kiatoukaysy, executive director of the Hmong / American Friendship Association Inc., praised Police Chief Nannette Hegerty for her willingness to probe issues raised by the shooting death of Tou Yang. "The verdict is still out on the rest of the Milwaukee Police Department," Kiatoukaysy added. Hegerty defended the officers involved in the Yang shooting, but she acknowledged that the police force sometimes lacks the tools needed to deal with Hmong or other racial and ethnic minorities. "On behalf of the people of the city of Milwaukee, I'm sorry that this tragedy occurred," the mayor said. "If there is one message I can leave, it is: We must be one." Wisconsin is home to about 40,000 Hmong people who emigrated from their native Laos. Yang, who was described by family members as suffering from a mental illness, was fatally shot by police officers Jan. 20 after a three-hour standoff that began when social workers arrived at his west side home. Police said they shot Yang after he opened fire on them as they entered the home. The shooting was ruled justified by Racine County District Attorney Michael Nieskes.  [more]

• Pictured above: Milwaukee Police Chief Nannette Hegerty (left) listens to a question from Xia Lee Yang of West Bend, grandfather of Tou Yang, during a meeting with the Hmong community and the Milwaukee Police Department at Grace Hmong Alliance Church, at W. Greenfield Ave. and S. 27th St., on Saturday.