Madison Police Chief Mike Koval (PHOTO: MPD)
Madison’s police chief explains the apology he gave to the family of a 19-year-old man who was fatally shot by one of his officers. Chief Mike Koval made the apology Monday in his blog, though he told WIBA radio that his sentiments were “not by any means” to be intended as an indictment of officer Matt Kenny, who shot the unarmed Tony Robinson Friday night.
“Reconciliation cannot begin without my stating ‘I am sorry,’ and I don’t think I can say this enough. I am sorry,” Koval wrote in his blog post. “I hope that, with time, Tony’s family and friends can search their hearts to render some measure of forgiveness.” Koval also asked for patience as the investigation into Robinson’s death moves forward. “If it were any one of us accused of wrong doing, wouldn’t we hope for as much?”
On WIBA Tuesday morning, Koval said he has adult sons and that “as a member of the human race” he has empathy for Robinson’s family. “I’m expressing apology at any loss of life, which is sacred to me.” He added, “I can’t even begin to think the width and breadth of the loss that they have faced by losing Tony.”
Kenny responded to calls from Madison’s Williamson Street neighborhood on Friday evening, after reports that Robinson had jumped in-and-out of traffic and assaulted someone. According to reports, he and Robinson scuffled inside an apartment before the officer shot and killed the teen.
A Department of Justice investigation is ongoing.
Thanks to WIBA