- Brazil Johnson, 28, a Black trans woman was discovered fatally shot on June 15.
- At least 19 transgender people have been shot or killed in the US this year.
- Officials in Milwaukee are requesting information from the public about the murder.
Officials in Milwaukee are requesting information from the public about the murder of Brazil Johnson a transgender Black woman who was discovered dead two weeks ago.
Brazil Johnson, 28, was discovered fatally shot on June 15 in the Triangle North area of the city. Authorities were still looking for signs that could identify a suspect as of late Thursday.
“We are outraged to hear of the loss of a young, Black trans woman in our city,” Alder woman JoCasta Zamarripa said holding a news conference on Thursday.
“It is devastating that in light of Milwaukee’s recent Pride celebrations, we are once again reminded of the harsh reality that transgender Black and brown women suffer higher rates of violence than their straight counterparts, as well as their lesbian, gay, and bisexual counterparts,” she added.
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According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 19 transgender people have been shot or killed in the US this year.
At least 50 transgender and gender non-conforming people were killed in 2021, according to the campaign, which monitored a record number of such deaths.
Cavalier Johnson, the mayor of Milwaukee, expressed his desire for justice for Johnson on social media.
“She was talented and loved, and the attack on her appears to be entirely unjustified,” he wrote. “I also want an end to violence against any person victimized because of hate, discrimination, or ignorance. We must recognize that this violence exists, and, collectively, we must work to stop it.”
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Peter Burgelis, the supervisor of Milwaukee County, acknowledged the tense connection between locals and the police force but urged anyone with information to contact the authorities.
“The trans community in Milwaukee is in mourning; they’re in pain,” he said. “Let’s not forget Brazil Johnson’s name and her story. And let’s find the person or people responsible for this. If you know something, say something.”
