60-year-old Bernell Trammel was shot in front of the business he owned in Milwaukee.
Flowers and tributes are being brought by community members every hour.
Trammel was a prominent figure in the Milwaukee community and was especially known for his staunch support for President Trump.
He wanted community members to know that he was a proud, black Trump voter.
Those in the community said that they knew him for his strong political beliefs, but they also knew him as a good friend and decent man.
Police confirmed that Trammel was shot outside of his business, Expressions Jounral Publications.
An investigation is ongoing, including into whether this was politically motivated.
More details below:
Many people have taken to social media to post that Bernell Tremmell's life mattered.
While the BLM movement has reached fever pitch in recent weeks, hardly any attention has been given to the violence happening in Democratic-run cities or against Trump supporters.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel confirms this tragic story:
Milwaukee police officials have said little about the case, other than to confirm the fatal shooting, which took place at 12:31 p.m. on the 900 block of East Wright Street, near North Bremen Street.
No suspect was in custody Friday. Milwaukee police encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to call (414) 935-7360 or Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS.
Reggie Moore, director of Milwaukee's Office of Violence Prevention, said he recently intervened in a dispute between Trammell and a young man. Moore thought the incident was related to a Trump sign that Trammell was carrying.
"He's a Black elder who didn't deserve to die the way that he did," Moore said.
He added that the way Trammell was killed, "in front of his home and in front of his shop in broad daylight, is extremely troubling."
Andrew Hitt, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, called for federal prosecutors to investigate the "senseless" killing of Trammell.
"Because of Trammell’s well known political activism and the possibility that his murder could be politically motivated, I respectfully request that United States Attorney Matthew Krueger open an investigation into this heinous crime," Hitt said in a statement issued late Friday. "No American should fear for their personal safety because of where they live or their political affiliation.”
Police have not said whether the killing was politically motivated.
Community members have created a memorial with candles, plants and chalk art outside the eXpressions Journal office, 915 E. Wright St. A memorial service is set for next 5:30 p.m. July 31 outside the office.
On Friday evening, Trammell’s friends stood around outside the building sharing stories about his life. They remembered him as a teacher and a friend who always helped people in need.
“He was selfless,” said Wisdom Prometheus Grey, an artist and a longtime friend of Trammell’s.
Can you imagine the outcry if this was a prominent supporter for any Democratic candidate?
The media would likely be painting Trump supporters as racist and violent.
However, there has been unfortunate silence around Trammell's untimely death.
The show of respect and support from the local community is a true testiment to Trammell's character.
So much love and support has been shown for Trammell and those who survive hime.
Local CBS 58 News has more details on the Milwaukee neighborhood in mourning:
Tributes continue to pour in for a man killed in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood.
Family and friends identified 60-year-old Bernell Trammell as the man shot and killed Thursday, July 23 near Wright and Bremen.
Flowers and artwork now cover the scene, which is right outside the business Trammell owned, Expressions Journal Publications. On Thursday and Friday, dozens of community members stopped by the memorial to remember him.
"This is just how I pay respect," said a local artist who goes by the name Wisdom Prometheus Grey. "I've been asking people to please bring candles. Please whatever you can do."
Milwaukee police say he was shot and killed around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. They're still investigating what led up to the shooting and they are still looking for suspects.
Many community members knew Trammell for his political signs and Rastafari religious views. Community members said Trammell was an independent who supported candidates on both sides of the aisle, including President Donald Trump in the presidential race and Sen. Lena Taylor in the Milwaukee mayoral race.
John Self said he had many philosophical conversations with Trammell over the years inside his business.
"He believed in democracy. He believed in his right to free speech," Self said. "I don't think he ever once tried to convert you or change you. He would just tell you what he thought, he would listen to what you had to think, and then he would respect that."
Milwaukee police said they are still investigating the motive for the shooting.
Patricia Holland, who lives near the scene, was likely one of the last people to see Trammell alive.
"He was a happy person. He always talked to everybody that came by basically, say hi and speak to them," Holland said.
It is clear that Trammell is the exact opposite of how the media portray Trump supporters.
He was a loving, kind, generous, and philosophical man. And aside from that, he was also a black Trump supporter.
Diversity in politics should be a good thing, not a bad thing!
We pray that the truth in the ongoing investigation will be discovered and made known.
May justice be survived for this senseless murder in broad daylight!
It's time to restore peace, law, and order to our cities!
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