Breaking News: Active Shooter Situation at Zeidler Municipal Building in Milwaukee
An active shooter situation unfolded Thursday afternoon at the Zeidler Municipal Building in downtown Milwaukee, prompting a swift and substantial response from local law enforcement.
Incident Overview
At approximately 3:00 PM on May 15, 2025, reports emerged of shots fired on the fourth floor of the Zeidler Municipal Building, located at 841 N Broadway, adjacent to Milwaukee City Hall. This prompted immediate action from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), who swiftly secured the area and initiated a lockdown of the building.
As of 5:00 PM, MPD officials reported that there was no indication of a shooting or shots being fired. However, the building remained on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Sources indicated that a recently terminated employee may have been involved in the incident, though no official confirmation has been provided .
Evacuation and Lockdown Procedures
Following the reports, employees within the Zeidler Municipal Building and City Hall were evacuated in a controlled manner. Alderman Peter Burgelis confirmed that the buildings were on lockdown with a shelter-in-place order in effect as of 4:30 PM. Unlike the Milwaukee County Courthouse complex, the Zeidler Municipal Building and City Hall are open to the public without security at the door, which may have influenced the response protocols .
Approximately 1,000 government employees work inside the 10-story municipal building at any given time, underscoring the scale of the response and the importance of ensuring their safety .
Law Enforcement Response
A heavy police presence remains in the area of Water Street and Kilbourne Avenue, with MPD officers continuing to secure the perimeter and assist with the evacuation process. MPD has not released further details at this time, but the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
The Milwaukee Police Department’s Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) team, which is specially trained to provide medical care during high-risk incidents, has been activated to support the response efforts .
Community Impact and Safety Recommendations
The incident has caused significant disruption in downtown Milwaukee, with nearby businesses and streets affected by the increased law enforcement presence. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid the area to allow authorities to manage the situation effectively.
The Milwaukee Police Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. As the investigation continues, updates will be provided through official channels.
Conclusion
While the immediate threat appears to have been mitigated, the situation remains under investigation. The safety of the public and city employees remains the top priority, and authorities are working diligently to determine the facts surrounding the incident.
For the latest updates, please monitor official communications from the Milwaukee Police Department and local news outlets.