Conservatives Demand Answers Over Shooting Death of Black Trump Supporter By Managing Editor
July 31, 2020
Bernell Trammell in 2013/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP (Associated Press) The shooting death in broad daylight of a black man affectionately known in his Milwaukee neighborhood as “The Ras” appears to have mystified police while spurring prominent conservatives in Wisconsin to speculate that he was killed because of his support for President Donald Trump.
Bernell Trammell, 60, whose sometimes contradictory political views included supporting Black Lives Matter and many liberals, was killed outside his office in the eclectic and diverse Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee on July 23. With a graying beard and dreadlocks, he was an outspoken character known for his peaceful demeanor and religious proselytizing.
A Rastafarian, which inspired his nickname, Trammell for decades ran eXpressions Journal, a small publication that focused on political and spiritual news.
Police have released few details about the killing, including any motive. They have asked for the public’s help in identifying a possible suspect caught on surveillance video, a man who was spotted nearby on a bicycle with his face covered. A police spokeswoman did not immediately reply to messages Friday seeking an update on the case.
While police are saying little about the killing, prominent Republicans are calling for a federal investigation of the killing, which they say was politically motivated. The case has gained attention in conservative media outlets and allegations that the case is being downplayed by Democrats because Trammell supported Trump.
“Can you imagine what Democrats and media (often hard to distinguish between the two) would be saying if he was holding signs for Biden?!?” fo rmer Republican Gov. Scott Walker tweeted on Thursday, linking to a Fox News story about Trammell’s killing.
The picture showed Trammell standing in front of several homemade signs, including a couple calling for Trump’s reelection.
Walker isn’t the only Wisconsin Republican drawing attention to the case.
“Bernell Trammell was known to many in Milwaukee,” Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson tweeted. “My condolences to his family and friends. I hope they get answers and justice soon.”
The day after the killing, Wisconsin Republican Party Chairman Andrew Hitt called for a federal investigation because of his “well known political activism and the possibility that his murder could be politically motivated.” Milwaukee religious leaders representing black and Hispanic congregations this week also called on U.S. Attorney Matthew Krueger to launch an investigation.
A spokesman for Krueger declined to comment.
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Poster Comment:
There was a black woman who lived in the complex nearby. She was afraid of me at first because I am a big guy. After I got to talk with her a few times she realized I was a nice guy. She moved over to the nursing home a couple years ago, and from there she went back to Milwaukee since she had family there.