Family pleads for peace as Madison clears encampment tied to Corey Ruiz death

The family of Corey Ruiz, 38, who was shot by a Madison police officer on July 22 after police said he was armed with a knife, is asking for peace as an encampment at the Williamson and Baldwin intersection—which blocked traffic for nearly two weeks—was cleared by city crews. The family says they did not organize or approve the encampment or a statement released in their name and urged a peaceful pursuit of accountability. Memorial plans are being considered, a GoFundMe has been set up to fund mental health services and grief counseling (not legal or funeral expenses), and attorney Ben Crump represents the family.