Statement on the Death of Corey Durell Ruiz

For a printable copy of this statement, please download the attached PDF.

As an interfaith community, we believe every person is created with inherent dignity and immeasurable worth. We grieve the death of Corey Durell Ruiz and recognize the profound impact his loss has on his family, loved ones, neighbors, and the entire Madison community. We stand in prayer and solidarity with the people of Madison as they grieve, seek answers, and work toward healing.

We recognize that this tragedy has reopened deep wounds for many, particularly within Black communities and among those who carry the pain of previous police shootings. Trauma does not exist in isolation. It is carried by families, neighborhoods, and entire communities.

Transparency and accountability are essential because public trust cannot exist without them. When questions arise about the use of deadly force, communities deserve a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation that follows the evidence wherever it leads. The findings should be shared with the public as permitted by law, and any failures to follow the law or established policies must be addressed.

Our prayers for those who are grieving are inseparable from our commitment to truth. Communities deserve both compassion in moments of loss and confidence that the facts will be fully and fairly examined.

We believe every effort should be made to preserve life, to employ de-escalation whenever possible, and to ensure that those entrusted with public authority are accountable to the people they serve.

Justice and healing are not opposing goals—they depend on one another. Accountability helps rebuild trust, and healing helps restore relationships damaged by violence and trauma.

We refuse to believe that repeated cycles of violence, grief, and mistrust are inevitable. We believe communities are strongest when every person's dignity is honored, when public institutions are worthy of public trust, and when people across differences work together to pursue justice, accountability, and healing. We recommit ourselves to building relationships, strengthening trust, and working alongside our neighbors as our communities seek truth, accountability, justice, and lasting peace.