AtwoodFest called off this weekend’s two-day festival, saying the near-east side neighborhood needs space to mourn after Corey Ruiz was fatally shot by Madison police.
Organizers urged residents to spend the weekend supporting mutual aid and events demanding change instead of attending the annual fundraiser, which had planned three stages and dozens of artists.
Wednesday’s shooting happened about a mile from the festival site after police said Ruiz, 38, injured an officer with a knife during an attempted detention; an officer then fired three shots.
The case is being handled as an open homicide investigation, with Wisconsin’s Division of Criminal Investigation reviewing evidence for the Dane County district attorney to decide on possible charges.
The shooting has already disrupted other Madison events: protesters halted Concerts on the Square on Wednesday, and the Madison Public Market postponed Thursday’s grand opening in solidarity.