The Reverend Al Sharpton is set to deliver a eulogy for Dvontaye Mitchell, a Black man who tragically died in June after a confrontation with hotel security guards in Milwaukee. Mitchell’s death has evoked comparisons to the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Sharpton, a prominent activist and member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, announced that he will speak at Mitchell’s funeral on Thursday. The timing coincides with the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, sparking concerns about potential protests during the event.
Sharpton emphasized the significance of shedding light on Mitchell’s death amidst the distractions of the political convention, condemning what he views as a lack of justice and empathy in the current political climate. Mitchell, 43, passed away at the Hyatt Regency after being restrained by security guards following an alleged disturbance. His family has enlisted the help of civil rights attorney Ben Crump, best known for representing George Floyd’s family, to seek justice for Mitchell.
The circumstances that led to Mitchell’s encounter at the hotel remain unclear, with conflicting reports about his personal situation. While the initial report from the Milwaukee County medical examiner described Mitchell as homeless, his family disputes this claim, suggesting he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time. Investigations into Mitchell’s death continue, with police acknowledging an altercation between Mitchell and hotel security guards.
The medical examiner’s office has classified Mitchell’s death as a homicide, pending further investigation, but no criminal charges have been filed yet. Aimbridge Hospitality, the company managing the Hyatt Regency where the incident occurred, expressed condolences to Mitchell’s family and assured its cooperation with the ongoing inquiry. Sharpton’s involvement underscores the broader implications of Mitchell’s tragic passing, mirroring the public outrage and demands for justice that followed the death of George Floyd.
