Shock and Grief in Milwaukee: Young Man Arrested in Ambush-Style Shooting of Two Police Officers
Milwaukee, WI — A city already grappling with rising gun violence is now reeling from an unthinkable attack on its law enforcement officers. On Wednesday night, June 26, 2025, two Milwaukee Police Department officers were ambushed and shot while responding to a call — an incident that has left the city in mourning and the police department shaken to its core.
The man accused of carrying out the attack, 22-year-old Tremaine D. Jones of Milwaukee, was taken into custody early Friday morning at 2:15 a.m. Authorities say he was apprehended without incident, but the pain and devastation he allegedly caused continue to ripple through the department and the community.
The ambush occurred during what officers believed would be a routine response. But what followed was a calculated, violent assault — a moment that has forever changed the lives of those who wear the badge in Milwaukee.
Details of the incident remain under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest the officers were deliberately targeted. As they approached the scene, they were met with a hail of gunfire. Both officers were struck. One remains in critical condition at Froedtert Hospital; the other is recovering following emergency surgery. Their identities have not yet been released to the public.
“This wasn’t just an attack on two officers,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman in an emotional press conference. “It was an attack on all of us — on our community, on our sense of safety, and on the very people who have sworn to protect and serve. This ambush was deliberate, it was cowardly, and we will not rest until every detail is uncovered and justice is fully served.”
The arrest of Jones comes after an intense 36-hour manhunt that involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Milwaukee Police Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Officers worked around the clock, following leads, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses.
Police say Jones has a criminal history, including previous arrests related to firearms and gang activity. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, investigators believe it may be linked to ongoing tensions between police and certain criminal networks operating within the city.
The community’s reaction has been one of shock, sorrow, and outrage. Vigils are being planned for the wounded officers, and city landmarks have been lit in blue in a show of solidarity. Strangers have been leaving flowers and hand-written notes outside police stations, expressing gratitude and heartbreak.
“My heart just aches,” said Maria Alston, a mother of three who lives just blocks from where the ambush occurred. “These officers have families too. They’re people. And to be targeted like this — it’s just devastating.”
Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed the city in a statement Thursday evening, calling the ambush “a dark day for Milwaukee” and urging unity.
“We must not let violence divide us or define us,” the mayor said. “Our thoughts are with the injured officers, their families, and every officer who risks their life each day for our safety. We will not let this cowardly act go unanswered.”
The Milwaukee Police Department has been providing counseling and support to officers deeply affected by the attack. Many have described the incident as one of the most traumatic in recent memory, a chilling reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day.
Police unions and advocacy groups are also renewing calls for increased protections and support for officers, including improved safety equipment and mental health services.
As for Tremaine D. Jones, he is expected to face multiple felony charges, including two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. Formal charges are likely to be filed in the coming days.
The wounded officers remain in the hearts and prayers of many across Wisconsin and beyond. One of them, according to sources close to the family, had just returned from paternity leave and was looking forward to celebrating his child’s first birthday next month.
“There are no words for this kind of cruelty,” said one of the officers’ relatives, speaking through tears. “We’re just hoping he makes it through. He’s a fighter.”
