A Black man named Dvontaye Mitchell died outside the Hyatt Regency hotel in Milwaukee on June 30, after being pinned down by security guards. The incident has drawn comparisons to the killing of George Floyd due to the positioning of one guard who appeared to be kneeling on Mitchell's back. According to various sources, Mitchell was a loving and kind father, uncle, nephew who enjoyed family gatherings, music, cooking and being by the water.
The exact circumstances leading up to Mitchell's encounter with the security guards are unclear. It is known that an individual caused a disturbance inside the hotel and fought with security personnel while being led out. The Milwaukee Police Department is currently investigating the incident, but no charges have been filed against the guards involved.
Mitchell's family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, is demanding justice for their loved one. They believe Mitchell was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of his death and are calling for criminal charges to be filed against the security guards.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner has determined Mitchell's preliminary cause of death to be homicide. Aimbridge Hospitality, the Hyatt's third-party operator, has suspended the employees involved in the incident and initiated a full investigation.
This tragic event comes just weeks before thousands descend on Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention. Crump and Mitchell's family held a press conference outside the hotel Monday, demanding that justice not be swept under the rug with all of the convention-related activities taking place in Milwaukee.
The Hyatt Regency is one of three main venues for the Republican national convention, which is scheduled to take place from July 15 to 18. The hotel has released a statement expressing their condolences and commitment to ensuring accountability for the circumstances that led to Mitchell's death.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training for security personnel in handling situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. It also highlights the need for transparency and swift action from law enforcement when investigating such incidents.