By Mark Belling, WISN-AM
Participating in a riot at a private residence and lying to police about a shooting is apparently a credential to get you an invitation to address students at Kettle Moraine High School.
The school invited Milwaukee State Assemblyman David Bowen to address students this afternoon during a Black History Month program at the high school in southern Waukesha County. Bowen was caught on video buying supplies that were used in the vandalism of a Wauwatosa resident’s house and later lied to police, claiming former Wauwatosa Officer Joseph Mensah fired a gunshot into the home during the ensuing riot. The man charged with the shooting has admitted firing the shot and has further stated Bowen urged others to lie about what happened.
Kettle Moraine Principal Beth Kaminski, in a written statement, said students invited Bowen to be one of several speakers at the event. Bowen ended up skipping the event, citing a conflict. Kaminski says the event was a success.
Mensah, who is African American, is now a deputy in the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department. Kettle Moraine didn’t invite him but did invite the elected official who lied and accused Mensah of firing a gunshot into an occupied home during a riot. (the homeowner is a Milwaukee police officer and Mensah’s girlfriend. She sustained multiple bruises after being roughed up by the mob which was part of the group The People’s Revolution. Its leader, Khalil Coleman, was arrested over the weekend in Kentucky accused of trying to rob a drug house.
Kettle Moraine Superintendent Pat Deklotz is retiring at the end of the school year. The district’s curriculum and programs have become increasingly radicalized during her tenure.
The KM school board president, Gary Vose, did not respond to my inquiry.
Mark Belling
February 23
