A non-profit that has received government funding is helping raise bail money for people who were arrested in the protest that followed the Corey Ruiz shooting.
Freedom Inc., reportedly bailed out 32 people after police cleared the protest encampment at Williamson and South Baldwin on Tuesday. The encampment had been up for 2 weeks before Madison leaders decided to finally take it down. On Tuesday morning, 16 people alone were arrested when police and city officials moved in. Protestors then started throwing rocks and starting fires to prevent their illegal encampment from being taken down. (RELATED:Wisconsin Democratic Candidates Race Left in Only Primary Debate)
Freedom Inc. also partnered with outside organizations to help pool enough money for the bail out. Free the 350 Bail Fund in conjunction with Freedom Inc. reported they had 28 people released by 5 p.m.
The city of Madison gave Freedom Inc. almost $80,000 in 2026, saying it was earmarked for a “Family Strengthening” program. Freedom Inc. reported approximately $4.94 million in revenue in 2024. The filings included $488,836 in executive compensation. Kabzuag Vaj, identified as the organization’s “Anchor,” received $310,234 in compensation plus $17,890 in other compensation.
Corey Ruiz reportedly stabbed a police officer before he was shot, was being pursued after scanning the inside of parked cars, and decided to flee from law enforcement when they arrived. Gubernatorial candidate and Socialist Francesca Hong called the entire incident a “state-sanctioned execution.” She has vocally supported the protest, calling acts of disobedience valid forms of protest. (RELATED:DHS Flags 256,000 Potential Noncitizens on State Voter Rolls)
Hong is also stating she will work with the community to erect a memorial for Corey Ruiz and all those that have been affected by police violence. Hong is currently the front runner for the Democratic nomination after the withdrawal of Mandela Barnes.
