Family of Milwaukee Man Shot to Death During Traffic Stop Insists Officer's Actions Were Justified: Something We Have to Live With'

"In the video, the officer's car had a minor collision with a car driven by Wilks. As soon as both cars came to a stop so the drivers could assess the damage, Wilks got out and immediately walked toward the driver's side of the officer's car. Wilks was seen yelling at the officer. When the officer got out of his car, he walked in front of it to look at the spot where the collision had occurred. As he walked, Wilks trailed behind him and continued berating him. Then, Wilks suddenly brandished a handgun and hit the officer in the head with it. The officer pulled out his own firearm and shot Wilks multiple times."

"[Wilks family attorney B'Ivory Lamarr] and the family watched the video Friday and came out right away and said they thought the officer was justified in shooting. When we saw the video for the first time, completely silent. You know, I was it was unimaginable, you know, what actually took place, and we requested to see it a second time, and it's just something that we just have to take acceptance and accountability for, added Lamarr. I think it was clear that he definitely brought out the firearm first, and that he, you know violently, kind of swung the fire"

"DASHCAM: Off-duty Milwaukee cop fatally shoots man who pistol-whipped him after minor traffic accident The family acknowledges the shooting was justified pic.twitter.com/9ocNpSMIb3 Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 14, 2025"

An off-duty Milwaukee police officer fatally shot 26-year-old Elijah Wilks on the evening of October 9 after a minor traffic collision. The officer's dashboard camera shows both vehicles stopping and Wilks exiting his car and walking to the officer's driver's side while yelling. The officer exited, walked toward the collision spot, and Wilks followed and continued berating him. Wilks then brandished a handgun and struck the officer in the head. The officer drew his service weapon and fired multiple rounds, killing Wilks. After viewing the dashcam footage, Wilks' family and their attorney said they believed the shooting was justified and expressed acceptance.

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