Victims Alleged Attack By Mob Like Group Of Blacks At Kilbourn Reservoir Park In Milwaukee

BP convenience store ransacked and robbed by group of Black teenagers.

By H. Nelson Goodson
July 6, 2011
(Updated)

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn admitted that a group of African-American (Black) teenagers had attacked a group of five Whites shortly before midnight on July 3 at the Kilbourn Reservoir Park. The White teenagers claim they were beaten, kicked, robbed and beer poured on them by Black youths. The White victims alleged that the attackers were laughing and yelling racial slurs at them. A 22-year-old woman was also punched in the face and was taken to a hospital for treatment. She received at least three stitches above an eye, according to police.
Some of the Black teenagers involved in three strong armed robberies at Reservoir park, are also suspected of ransacking and looting a BP Pantry 41 on E. North Ave. and N. Humbolt Blvd. minutes earlier. The youths went into the Pantry grabbed and took candy, sodas and snacks, according to video surveillance from the store released by police.
Chief Flynn said, they are searching for the Black suspects and want people who know any information about the identity of the suspects to come forward. Two 16-year-old suspects and one 18-year-old suspect have been taken into custody.
Mayor Tom Barrett during Tuesday's press conference said, the suspects will be eventually caught and they will be prosecuted.
On Wednesday during the Gordon Park community meeting, Chief Flynn admitted officers didn't take statements from victims involved because they weren't enough officers to respond to the scene. The priority for the officers was to disperse and move the crowds along and tend to the victims.
More than 195 Riverside residents, including many of the victims from Sunday's melee were at the meeting, but capacity was posted at 75. The victims were dismayed on how Milwaukee police responded and acted at the scene. They are calling for an investigation into police actions at Riverside, which some say, police acted unprofessionally and were incompetent.
The victims criticized the officers for refusing to take statements and ignoring that they were the actual victims. Reports from police weren't properly logged in and took a day to figure out what had happened. The complaints from victims being reported to police didn't match the reports of incidents in the Riverside area.
Chief Flynn has a policy directing police not to respond to minor incidents in order to keep crime statistics down, which in this case is a disservice to the Riverside neighborhood residents. Flynn confirmed that 19 victims have been identified, but actually they were 26 victims according to his statistics, which included 1 Asian, 4 Hispanics, 8 Whites and 13 Blacks.
The victims were attacked at the Reservoir Park by a group of about 100 Black youths returning from the July 3 fireworks just before midnight. Six armed robberies and numerous strong arm robberies were also reported, according to police. About 22 Black youths from the same group had entered the BP Pantry 41 convenience store earlier and spontaneously ransacked it and stole items. 17 of the 22 Black youths have been identified by police.
He stunned the residents at the Gordon Park meeting, when he admitted that he doesn't believe in curfew and will not have his officers enforce curfew. "It's not practical to have officers chasing 15-year-olds" throughout the city, Flynn said.
Flynn said, one of the suspects sought in the BP Pantry 41 melee turned himself in after seeing his picture on the news. Several parents who saw their kids in the BP surveillance video that was aired on the news, also turned them in. Police say that three female teenagers ages 13, 14 and 16 were cited for theft, curfew violation and disorderly conduct along with a 15-year-old boy.

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MPD Awards Block Watch Captains And South Side Businesses For Crime Reduction

Chief Flynn credits neighborhood Block Watch programs, residents, local businesses, and police officers in both Districts 2 and 6 for a 12% reduction of crime in the South side

By H. Nelson Goodson
December 10, 2009

Milwaukee -On Wednesday, the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) hosted a "Block Watch Award Ceremony" and reception for both Police Districts 2 and 6. The awards ceremony was held at Aurora Medical Center, Stiemke Auditorium, 2900 W. Oklahoma Ave. where food, and special recognition awards were given to neighborhood Block Watch captains and local businesses. Auxiliary officers were also recognized by Dist. 6 Captain Michael D. Young and Dist. 2 Captain Donald J. Gaglione.
There was a minute of silence in recognition and remembrance for the four fallen Lakewood Police Department Officers in Washington, Sgt. Mark Renninger, Officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards.
More than 150 people filled Stiemke Auditorium for the event. Both Mayor Tom Barrett and MPD Chief Edward A. Flynn gave a personal thank you and appreciation to all the Block Watch captains, and businesses. "People like yourself sharing information with officers, by reporting crimes and suspicious activity has helped us prevent crime, so that we can continue to make our neighborhoods safe. Thank you for your support," Chief Flynn said. Flynn also thanked the women and men in blue for working in a united and collaborating effort with neighborhood residents and businesses resulting in a 12% reduction of crime in the near South side.
Both Mayor Barrett and Chief Flynn had prior commitments and couldn't be present at the awards ceremony, but had their video address played to residents.
"The awards tonight are for community involvement and we are also grateful to Auxiliary officers for taking their time to volunteer with MPD," Captain Michael D. Young said. 

Afterwards, Captain Gaglione said, "Thank you, we are here tonight to recognize you for the great job and for taking time to become Block Watch captains who gave us information on crimes around the area. Your help and information has made it easier for our police department of 1,800 officers to close down drug houses and respond to crimes otherwise without your help wouldn't have been solved. Especially, information we received about the suspects robbing numerous businesses along S. 27 St., it was your information that helped us catch them."
Community Liaison Officers from District 2, Jose Arzaga and Jesus Gloria, along with Community Liaison Officers from District 6, Carlos Felix and Cheryl Wolf were recognized for creating and organizing Block Watch units in their districts and getting businesses involved too.
Many of the citizens that were recognized brought their family and children to the special occasion. Block Watch captains received an "Appreciation Award for their dedication and efforts on keeping our neighborhoods safe through the Milwaukee Police Department Block Watch Program 2009." The ceremony provided the children a memorable and a positive example of their parents getting a recognition award for helping police reduce crime and making their neighborhood a safe place to work and live.
In early December, District 2 officers were credited by Capt. Gaglione for recovering over 1,200 items believed stolen in jewelry worth more than $75,000 from four South side Jewelry stores. A two month police sting operation discovered the following South side stores, Star Jewelry, Gold N Cash Jewelry, Reflections Jewelry, and John's Jewelry were buying gold jewelry as scrap and weren't asking for proper identification and not  keeping records of who sold each item as state law and local ordinances require. The stores involved received 85 citations totaling over $41,000.

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Editorial: Mayor Tom Barrett for Wisconsin Governor?

By H. Nelson Goodson
November 23, 2009

Milwaukee -It's unfortunate, will the issue of Milw. Police Chief  Edward A. Flynn's ongoing affair with Jessica McBribe affect Mayor Tom Barrett's chances of succeeding for governor? Who would be willing to support Barrett after he looks the other way and let a self confessed felon who carries a gun (but has not been charged or convicted) continue to lead the Milwaukee Police Department. Adultery is still a felony in WI, and Barrett condones it, as well as the Police Commission and the Common Council, corruption? Sure, it might look that way! What do you think?
Even, former Waukesha District Attorney Paul Bucher who filed a divorce against McBribe his wife claiming both McBribe and Chief Flynn continued the affair after Flynn said it was over. Now. Bucher wants Flynn fired!
Milwaukee Police Department has a policy, if an officer is found to have committed an illegal act even if they are not charged or convicted he/she are subject to be fired by MPD and the Fire and Police Commission. There been many cases which police officers have been fired for violating dept. policy and it doesn't cost tax dollars to discipline.
In this case, the Fire and Police Commission, Common Council and Mayor Barrett (Dem.) are looking the other way. Is Chief Flynn above the law? NO, and by those to say it's a personal matter, well those who commit crimes do it as a personal matter, too and get fired or convicted.
GOOD LUCK Mayor Barrett!

Milwaukee Mayor To Keep Current Practice To Provide Licenses To Business Applicants

More than 2,000 people marched for immigration reform, state driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, and to protest the proposed City of Milwaukee citizenship requirement for professional or commercial licenses or permits

By H. Nelson Goodson
October 10, 2009

Milwaukee - Immigration reform march organizers released a statement from Mayor Tom Barrett during a rally held at Mitchell Park earlier today saying the mayor will keep the current practice to provide professional licenses to applicants. Mayor Barrett on Friday wrote, "The regulation of immigration is exclusively a federal power, and the City of Milwaukee is not the appropriate jurisdiction to enforce the 1996 law enacted by the federal government. The City currently provides licensing services that support business operations, are efficient and provide adequate protections for the public. It is my intention that these services will continue to be provided to the public in the future as they are today." Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera read Barrett's statement to those attending Saturday's rally.

Rally participants cheered and celebrated Barrett's decision to keep Milwaukee from supporting anti-immigrant policies that would create division among Milwaukeans. More than 2,000 people marched for immigration reform, state driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, and to protest the proposed City of Milwaukee citizenship requirement for professional or commercial licenses or permits. March organizers are currently collecting signatures from voters in State Senator Tim Carpenter's district in support of driver's cards (licenses) for undocumented immigrants.

On September 29, the Licenses Committee members unanimously decided to postponed a proposed ordinance (090411) that would require proof of U.S. citizenship and legal alien status to obtain a professional or commercial licenses or permits in the City of Milwaukee. The ordinance would have required new applicants and those applying for renewal to prove their legal status in the country. City Attorney Grant F. Langley proposed the citizenship ordinance to comply with the U.S. Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
Ald. Tony Zielinski moved for the proposed ordinance to be placed on hold to give various community groups, and constituents more time to review the proposal and to comment on it. The committee agreed and voted to postpone the measure.

Milw., WI: Legistar posted video on line of Licenses Committee Sept. 29 hearing of citizenship ordinance 090411 requiring legal status in the country for issuance of professional or commercial licenses or permits, click the following link and then on video http://bit.ly/YywZO

Immigration Reform March To Include Protest Opposing Milwaukee Citizenship Requirement For Professional And Commercial Licenses And Permits

March organizers to protest City of Milwaukee proposed Business citizenship ordinance

Milwaukee (HNNUSA)- On Sunday, October 4Th, Immigration reform march organizers were visiting and campaigning for support at local businesses against the proposed City of Milwaukee citizenship ordinance requiring legal status in the country for new and renewal applicants for professional and commercial licenses and permits. Organizers say, next Saturday's, October 10Th march will incorporate a protest against the business citizenship oridnance. Protesters will meet in front of Voces de la Frontera's office at 11 a.m. and will march along the South side to Mitchell Park located in the 2500 block of W. Pierce St. in Milwaukee.
Chritine Neumann-Ortiz, Executive Director of Voces de la Frontera, 1027 S. 5th St., personally delivered a letter to business owners inviting them to a special meeting being held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6Th at Voces. Neumann-Ortiz is calling for unity and for Latino businesses to support the Voces march opposing the city citizenship ordinance.
Last week, September 29Th, the License Committee members unanimously decided to postponed a proposed ordinance (090411) that would require proof of U.S. citizenship and legal alien status to obtain a professional or commercial licenses or permits in the City of Milwaukee.
The ordinance would have required new applicants and those applying for renewal to prove their legal status in the country.
Two executive directors from several community based organizations, and a South side resident testified during the meeting in opposition of the measure. Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, an immigrant rights organization, said her organization did not learn of the proposal until Monday night. "This is very disturbing... Such an ordinance would reduce the tax base and increase poverty," Neumann-Ortiz said. She also criticized J.B. Van Hollen's decision to enforce the U.S. Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 with the state Department of Regulation and Licensing. In October 2007, Van Hollen wrote that federal requirements applied and that Secretary of Regulation and Licensing Celia Jackson should begin enforcing the measure, but was not mandatory to do so. Nevertheless, Jackson began enforcing the measure.
H. Nelson Goodson, an immigration rights advocate and a member of Taxpayers for Immigration Reform told the committee, a class action lawsuit is pending on appeal in a Pennsylvania federal court concerning a similar enforcement of the measure. The Lozano vs. City of Hazleton lost the first round when a judge ruled the anti-immigrant measure was unconstitutional. Hazleton city officials have appealed the case and a decision concerning the case is expected soon, according to Goodson. Goodson also advised the committee, that passing such an ordinance, the city could face a legal challenge costing taxpayers thousands of dollars when the city is facing a 90 million dollar deficit.
If the ordinance is imposed, the city would decrease business growth and eliminate a substantial amount of taxes and revenues generated from licenses and permits. The Common Council salaries come from these type of revenues, property taxes, and it wouldn't make sense for them to cut revenues by passing an ordinance limiting business growth. Especially, when Mayor Tom Barrett is proposing budget cuts from the Police Department, city services, and Fire Department. I don't see the Mayor and his staff or the Common Council proposing cuts to their own salaries, Goodson added.
"City Clerk Ron Leonhardt and Asst. City Attorney Bruce Schrimp who favor the citizenship ordinance have yet to produce a directive from Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General stating that the City of Milwaukee is in federal violation of the law or the city is facing punitive measures by cutting Block Grant funding from the federal government. The 1996 Act hasn't been enforced by the city for the last 13 years and I doubt the city would face any action from the federal government, if they decide to ignore enforcement of the Act. It's an immigration issue and it should be resolved at the federal level," Goodson said.
Tony Baez, president and CEO of the Council for the Spanish Speaking, questioned the city attorney's opinion, which cited the opinion from Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen concerning the 1996 Act.
"Why wait so long?" Baez asked the committee, and said the city hasn't enforced the 1996 Act for the last 13 years. Baez told the committee that time was needed to get other groups and advocates involved in this particular measure.
Leonhardt and Schrimp advised the committee that the city is expected to enforce the 1996 Act, but did not provide a recent decision by the current U.S. Attorney General that the measure is en-forcible.
Ald. Tony Zielinski asked for the proposed ordinance to be placed on hold to give various community groups, and constituents more time to review the proposal and to comment on it. The committee agreed and voted to postpone the measure.

Milw., WI: Legistar posted video on line of Licenses Committee Sept. 29 hearing of citizenship ordinance 090411 requiring legal status in the country for issuance of professional or commercial licenses or permits, click the following link and then on video http://bit.ly/YywZO

Mass H1N1 Vaccination Planned For City of Milwaukee

Between 40,000 to 50,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine to be made available at three sites

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 26, 2009

Milwaukee - City health officials announced Thursday that they are preparing to vaccinate between 40,000 to 50,000 people when the A (H1N1) vaccine becomes available in mid October. First to be vaccinated would be health care workers, afterwards young adults, children, and pregnant women.
Health officials say that three mass vaccination sites would be announced later in October. The vaccination sites would actually provide 50,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Vaccine doses would also be available for patients at doctors' offices, according to health officials.

Last Monday, September 21st, city health officials and Mayor Tom Barrett kicked off the seasonal influenza shots for the fall season at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM).
Mayor Barrett was at UWM to kickoff the influenza awareness season. Barrett was among the 198 people who received the free seasonal flu shots. Students, faculty, UWM employees and residents around the campus began standing in line about a couple of hours early. The event with Barrett began at 1:00 p.m., but a couple of hours later an estimated 110 people were turned away due to a shortage of doses. People who stayed had to wait between one hour to more than two hours to receive the flu shot.

City health officials only made available a couple of hundred of doses to the public free of charge. The seasonal influenza shot costs about 24 dollars at neighborhood drug stores and clinics.
Milwaukee Health Department officials had available only 1,100 doses this year, of which 900 have been earmarked under a federal program for children 18 and younger.
The seasonal influenza shot won't protect people from the H1N1 strain (Swine Flu), and it takes about two weeks to get immune from the seasonal flu.
The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be ready by mid October. H1N1 accounts for 90 % of influenza cases in the country, according to city health officials.
This month, in Wisconsin at least six people were hospitalizations due to the H1N1 flu virus, but no deaths were reported by the state Department of Health Services.
Since April, Wisconsin has recorded eight deaths and 239 hospitalizations from the A (H1N1) virus. About 99% of the state's lab tested influenza cases were confirmed to be from the H1N1 virus. None of the cases tested and reported have been resistant to anti-viral medication, according to state health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between September 6-12, 2009, widespread influenza activity was reported by 21 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia). Regional influenza activity was reported by Puerto Rico and nine states (California, Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin).

Seasonal Flu Shots Kick Off At UWM

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 23, 2009

Milwaukee - Mayor Tom Barrett was at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to kick off the influenza awareness season. Barrett was among the 198 people who received the free seasonal flu shots. Students, faculty, UWM employees and residents around the campus began standing in line about a couple of hours early. The event with Barrett began at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., but an estimated 110 people were turned away due to a shortage of doses.
City health officials only made available a couple of hundred of doses to the public free of charge. The seasonal influenza shot costs about 24 dollars at neighborhood drug stores and clinics.

Milwaukee Health Department officials had available only 1,100 doses this year, of which 900 have been earmarked under a federal program for children 18 and younger.
The seasonal influenza shot won't protect people from the H1N1 strain (Swine Flu), and the flu vaccine is expected to be ready next month. H1N1 accounts for 90 % of influenza cases in the country, according to city health officials.
This month, in Wisconsin at least six people were hospitalizations due to the H1N1 flu virus, but no deaths were reported by the state Department of Health Services.
Since April, Wisconsin has recorded eight deaths and 239 hospitalizations from the A (H1N1) virus. About 99% of the state's lab tested influenza cases were confirmed to be from the H1N1 virus. None of the cases tested and reported have been resistant to anti-viral medication, according to state health officials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between September 6-12, 2009, widespread influenza activity was reported by 21 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia). Regional influenza activity was reported by Puerto Rico and nine states (California, Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin).

Laborfest Draws Thousands To 50th Anniversary

By H. Nelson Goodson
September 7th, 2009

Milwaukee -On Monday, thousands of workers, employers, unions and family members from the surrounding communities gathered at the Summerfest grounds to celebrate Laborfest. This year, organizers were celebrating their 50th Anniversary of organizing the downtown parade and one day event.

The event was possible by the generous sponsorships of area businesses and Unions.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also joined the event at the Summerfest grounds and walked throughout the grounds greeting and shaking hands with those attending the fest.
Entertainment at the Miller Lite Oasis was provided by NiteLife, Milwaukee Public Theater, and Spider George and the Web.
The event was organized by Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CLO representing Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Washington Counties.

Criminal Complaint Filed Against Suspect In Milwaukee, WI Mayor Beating

State of Wisconsin, Circuit Court Criminal Division, Milwaukee County



Posted by H. Nelson Goodson
August 20, 2009

Milwaukee -Actual Criminal Complaint filed against Anthony J. Peters, 20, who was criminally charged on Thursday for beating Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett with a tire iron six times, and knocked out two teeth in the attack. Peters was charged with two felony counts and two misdemeanors. $100,000 cash bail was set for Peters and is facing more than 40 years in prison, if convicted, according to John Chisholm, Milwaukee County District Attorney.

Click On The Following Five Photos To Enlarge:

Madre del sospechoso, deseaba que el Alcalde no tenia que haber intervenido

El alcalde Barrett fue golpeado salvajemente, y se recupera de las heridas ocasionadas con un tubo de metal

Por H. Nelson Goodson
20 de agosto de 2009

Milwaukee—El pasado miércoles, el Alcalde Tom Barrett, 55, llevó a cabo una conferencia de prensa frente a su residencia. Barrett agradeció al público y describió el incidente como “Las cosas se pusieron bien, bien feas, bien, bien rápido, eso de verdad es malo”. El Alcalde tenía yeso en su brazo derecho, una herida en su cara y puntos en su cabeza. También perdió dos dientes y otro diente fue roto hasta la base durante el ataque del pasado sábado. “Esto fue una decisión de momento la de en esencia tener una reunión familiar con mis hermanos… Yo no puedo imaginar una situación así en la cual la gente no reaccionaria como yo hice”, dijo Barrett
Danita Brisk, la madre del sospechoso dijo, que ella deseaba que “el Alcalde no se debió haber envuelto, y si él hubiera sido alguien más y no el alcalde, no hubiera salido en las noticias y su hijo no hubiera sido arrestado. Mi hijo sufre de desorden bi-polar no se había tomado sus medicamentos ese día”.
Barrett respondió a los comentarios de Brisk que eran “bastante bizarros.” Barrett no entró en detalles sobre el incidente o comentó más sobre el sospechoso debido a la continúa investigación.
El pasado lunes, Barrett fue dado de alta del hospital. El presidente Barack Obama había hablado con Barrett más temprano ese día y lo elogio por su valor.
El Gobernador Jim Doyle visitó a Barrett el pasado domingo. Los colegas y oficiales públicos lo están clamando como buen samaritano, quien ayudo a prevenir posible daño a una mujer y una niña.

El pasado domingo, Anthony J. Peters, de 20 años, fue arrestado por la policía alrededor de la 1 p.m. en el bloque 1700 Oeste calle State en conexión con la golpiza dada al Alcalde Barrett con un tubo de metal el pasado sábado. Barrett había asistido al State Fair con miembros de su familia y no tenía su asignado guardaespalda de la policía al momento del ataque brutal.
Barrett salió de la feria a las 10:45 p.m. acompañado de su familia cuando el notó que Peters estaba teniendo un altercado con unas personas en el bloque 8800 del Oeste calle Orchard en West Allis. Una mujer estaba gritando pidiendo ayuda y tratando de proteger de Peters a su nieta de 1 año de edad, cuando Barrett vino a ayudarle.
Peters aparentemente estaba molesto porque no le dejaban ver a su hija. Peters quien pesa 260 libras aparentaba estar intoxicado, amenazando que iba a pegarse un tiro y le iba a tirar a otros, y le había quitado el teléfono celular de la mujer con la que discutía, de acuerdo a la policía.
Barrett intervino para ayudar a calmar la situación doméstica y estaba tratando de llamar al 911, cuando Peters sacó un tubo (bastón de metal de estilo policía) y comenzó a golpear a Barrett. El alcalde logró darle un puño al individuo antes de que este dejara la escena. La policía de West Alllis respondió al incidente 911, y Barrett fue llevado al Hospital Froedert.
El Alcalde Barrett pasó por lo menos dos días en el hospital. Aunque las heridas eran serias, se espera que Barrett se recupere completamente, la herida en la parte de atrás de su cabeza tuvo que ser cerrada con grapas, y recibió cirugía plástica en una cortadura significante que recibió en la cara.
Peters fue descrito como un Nativo Americano originalmente de Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin y durante una conferencia de prensa el Jefe de la Policía de Milwaukee Edward A. Flynn dijo, “Anoche Peters fue totalmente violento y un maleante vicioso, y así es como se comportó”. Peters se está enfrentando a cargos criminales por asalto con un arma, de acuerdo a Flynn.

Mother Of Suspect Wished, Mayor Barrett Hadn’t Intervene

Suspect charged, and mayor recovering from injuries sustained from a tire iron

By H. Nelson Goodson
Updated: August 20, 2009

Milwaukee – On Thursday, Anthony J. Peters, 20, was charged with two felony counts of first-degree reckless injury and theft, and two misdemeanors. The criminal complaint states, Peters admitted to police he hit Mayor Tom Barrett various times with an 18 inch Chrysler tire iron/crowbar after he “freaked out” on him. $100,000 cash bail was set for Peters and is facing more than 40 years in prison, if convicted, according to John Chisholm, Milwaukee County District Attorney.
On Wednesday, Mayor Barrett, 55, held his first press conference in front of his residence since being assaulted last Saturday. Barrett thanked his supporters, and described the beating incident, as “Things got very, very ugly, very, very quickly.” The mayor had a cast on his right hand, had a scar on his face and stitches on his head. Barrett lost two teeth, and a back molar was chipped to the base, had a broken hand, which required surgery, and suffered head injuries in the attack.
Danita Brisk, the suspect’s mother said, she believes the mayor must have provoked her son, and wished he hadn’t intervene, and “if it would have been any other individual besides the mayor…I mean, it wouldn’t even had hit the news. My son probably wouldn’t have been arrested. None of this would even be happening,” said Brisk; and she added that her son suffers from bipolar disorder and had not taken his medicine that day, and is borderline psychotic.
Barrett responded to Brisk’s comments as, “very bizarre.” Barrett would not go into details of the incident or comment further about the incident.
On Monday, Barrett was released from the hospital. President Barack Obama had talked to Barrett earlier in the day and commended him for his bravery.
Governor Jim Doyle visited Barrett on Sunday. Colleagues and public officials are hailing Barrett as a Good Samaritan, who help prevent a woman and a child from potential harm.

Last Sunday, Peters was arrested at about 1 p.m. by police in the 1700 block of W. State St. in connection with Saturday’s night iron/crowbar beating of Mayor Barrett. Barrett was attending the Wisconsin State Fair with family members and did not have his assigned police bodyguard at the time of the attack.
Barrett was leaving at about 10:45 p.m. from the Wisconsin State Fair with family members when he noticed Peters having an altercation with several people in the 8800 block of W. Orchard St. in West Allis. A woman was crying out for help and trying to protect her 1-year-old granddaughter from Peters, when Barrett came to their aid. Peters was apparently distraught that he was not allowed to see his daughter. Peters who weighs at least 260 lbs. seemed intoxicated, threaten to shoot himself and others, and had taken a cell phone from a woman he was arguing with, according to police.
Barrett intervene to help qualm the domestic situation and was trying to call 911, when Peters took out an 18 inch Chrysler tire iron/crowbar and began to beat Barrett. Barrett managed to punch Peters before he fled the scene. West Allis police responded to the 911 incident, and Barrett was taken to Froedtert Hospital.
Mayor Barrett spent at least two days recovering at the hospital. Despite the serious injuries, Barrett is expected to fully recover. Barrett's injuries to the back of his head had to be stapled shut, and had plastic surgery due to a significant cut to the face.
Peters was described as a Native American originally from Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin, and during a press conference on Sunday afternoon Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn said, "Last night, Peters was a totally violent and vicious thug, and that's how he behaved."

Milwaukee Mayor Beaten With Pipe

Mayor Tom Barrett lost two teeth, had a broken arm, which required surgery, and suffered head injuries

By H. Nelson Goodson
August 16, 2009
Updated: August 18. 2009

Milwaukee – On Sunday, Anthony J. Peters, 20, was arrested at about 1 p.m. by police in the 1700 block of W. State St. in connection with Saturday’s night metal pipe beating of Mayor Tom Barrett. Barrett was attending the Wisconsin State Fair with family members and did not have his assigned police bodyguard at the time of the attack.
Barrett was leaving at about 10:45 p.m. from the Wisconsin State Fair with family members when he noticed Peters having an altercation with several people in the 8800 block of W. Orchard St. in West Allis. A woman was crying out for help and trying to protect her 1-year-old granddaughter from Peters, when Barrett came to their aid. Peters was apparently distraught that he was not allowed to see his daughter.

Peters who weighs at least 260 lbs. seemed intoxicated, threaten to shoot himself and others, and had taken a cell phone from a woman he was arguing with, according to police.
Barrett intervene to help qualm the domestic situation and was trying to call 911, when Peters took out a pipe (police style extended metal baton) and began to beat Barrett. Barrett managed to punch Peters before he fled the scene. West Allis police responded to the 911 incident, and Barrett was taken to Froedtert Hospital.
Mayor Barrett will spend at least two days recovering at the hospital. Barrett lost two teeth, had a broken arm, which required surgery, and suffered head injuries. Despite the serious injuries, Barrett is expected to fully recover. “Two teeth were knocked out, a back molar was also chipped to the base, and he had arm surgery,” said John Barrett, Tom’s brother. Barrett's injuries to the back of his head had to be stapled shut, and would need plastic surgery due to a significant cut to the face.
Peters was described as a Native American originally from Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin, and during a press conference on Sunday afternoon Milwaukee Police Chief Edward A. Flynn said, "Last night, Peters was a totally violent and vicious thug, and that's how he behaved." Peters is facing a felony charge for assault with a weapon, according to Flynn.
Governor Jim Doyle visited Barrett on Sunday. Colleagues and public officials are hailing Barrett as a good Samaritan, who help prevent a woman and a child from potential harm.
On Monday, Barrett was released from the hospital. President Barack Obama had talked to Barrett earlier in the day and commended him for his bravery.