MILWAUKEE, WI — City Mourns the Tragic Loss of Officer Kendall Corder, Killed in the Line of Duty During Ambush Shooting
Milwaukee, Wisconsin — A solemn and heartbroken city is grieving the tragic and senseless death of Officer Kendall Corder, a dedicated 32-year-old member of the Milwaukee Police Department, who succumbed to critical injuries sustained in an ambush-style shooting earlier this week. His death marks a dark and painful moment not only for his fellow officers, but for the entire Milwaukee community that he faithfully served and protected.
The attack, which officials are calling a “deliberate and targeted act of violence,” occurred on the evening of Monday, June 23, 2025, and has since sparked widespread outrage, sorrow, and renewed calls for unity and justice.
The Incident
According to the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), Officer Corder was responding to a reported disturbance call near North 27th Street and West Atkinson Avenue, a neighborhood he was familiar with and often patrolled. As he exited his patrol vehicle to investigate, he was fired upon without warning by an individual lying in wait. The assailant, armed with a high-powered rifle, fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Backup officers rushed to the area and provided life-saving aid before Officer Corder was transported to Froedtert Hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of emergency surgeons and trauma specialists, Officer Corder died from his injuries in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Police launched an intensive manhunt, and within 24 hours, a suspect was apprehended. The shooter, whose identity has not yet been released, is in custody and faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree intentional homicide of a law enforcement officer.
A Devoted Public Servant
Officer Kendall Corder was more than just a badge and a uniform—he was a public servant of integrity, compassion, and unwavering courage. A seven-year veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, he had earned a reputation as a dependable, level-headed, and community-oriented officer who always treated those he encountered with respect and dignity.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Corder graduated from Rufus King High School before joining the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served two tours overseas. After returning home, he pursued a career in law enforcement—driven by a desire to give back to the city that shaped him. He joined the police academy in 2018 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a respected Field Training Officer and a mentor to younger recruits.
Colleagues recall his calm demeanor, deep empathy, and fierce loyalty to both his department and the people he served.
“Kendall didn’t just wear the uniform—he lived the values behind it,” said MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman during a press conference. “He believed in protecting the vulnerable, upholding the law with fairness, and being a steady presence in moments of fear. Milwaukee has lost one of its best.”
A Family and City Left Grieving
Officer Corder leaves behind his fiancée, Mariah James, whom he was set to marry in the fall, as well as his parents, siblings, and countless loved ones. Friends say he was excited about starting a family and had recently begun building a home in West Allis. He was also a youth mentor at a local community center, where he volunteered his time to work with at-risk teens.
His loss has sparked an outpouring of emotion throughout the city. Flags are flying at half-staff, and a makeshift memorial outside MPD’s District 5 station continues to grow with candles, flowers, and handwritten messages from residents—many of whom had personal stories of Corder’s kindness or professionalism.
Candlelight vigils have been held across Milwaukee, and a formal memorial service is being planned at Fiserv Forum, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects.
City and Nation Respond
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson issued a heartfelt statement expressing his condolences and solidarity with the Corder family and the MPD.
“We are devastated. Officer Kendall Corder stood for the best of who we are. His murder is a vile and cowardly act that will not break our spirit or our resolve. We will honor his life by continuing the work he believed in—bringing peace, justice, and unity to every corner of our city.”
Governor Tony Evers also condemned the ambush and called for legislative action to further protect law enforcement officers while addressing the root causes of violence in Wisconsin communities.
Honoring a Hero
The funeral for Officer Kendall Corder will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, with full law enforcement honors, including a police motorcade and flag-folding ceremony. Thousands are expected to attend, including officers from across the state and beyond.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Officer Kendall Corder Legacy Fund, which will support youth mentoring programs and provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, or community service.
Gone But Never Forgotten
Though Officer Corder’s watch has ended, his legacy endures in the lives he touched and the example he set. He is remembered not only as a courageous officer, but as a man of principle, humility, and heart. His dedication to service, his love for his city, and his devotion to building trust and safety will forever define his memory.
“He died a hero,” said one colleague. “But he lived as something even more rare—a good man who never wavered in his duty, not once.”
Rest in eternal peace, Officer Kendall Corder. Milwaukee honors your sacrifice. Your life mattered. Your service will never be forgotten. 💙🖤💙