Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault statement on sexual assault incident at Intermodal Station

From Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault members Neil Thorsen, Carrie Scott-Haney, Antonia Drew-Norton, Kelsey Leopold, Sharain Horn, Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, Vina Xiong, Elizabeth Mueller, Mathew Torbenson, Chris Allen, Carl Ashley, Dinah La Craze, State Rep. Sequanna Taylor, Erwin Estacio, Raven Jones, Dr. Debbie Lassiter, Alphonso Pettis, and Janan Najeeb

May 26, 2026

After much communication and careful deliberation, the Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault would like to address the incident that occurred at the Intermodal Station on April 9, 2026. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the local alder representing the area and desire to work collaboratively with him, along with other governmental entities, to develop meaningful solutions that help prevent future incidents of assault and ensure the safety of all individuals who utilize the space.

As a commission, we carefully evaluated the circumstances surrounding the incident and identified several potential modifications that could strengthen security measures within the area. Among the recommendations discussed were the following:

1. Better security/staff presence: More trained security officers should be present inside and around the station, particularly near enclosed areas such as restrooms, especially during late-night, early-morning, and low-traffic hours.  Create a more visible and approachable safety presence within the station through a staffed information or welcome desk where personnel can greet visitors, assist travelers, observe activity throughout the station, and identify concerning or suspicious behavior early.  Add a boots on the ground intermittent walk around the area of the restrooms.
2. Training:  Increase trauma-informed de-escalation and bystander intervention training for station staff, security personnel, and contracted workers so concerns can be identified and responded to earlier.  Staff and security should receive more trauma-informed and sexual violence prevention training so they know how to recognize warning signs, intervene appropriately, and support victims immediately.  Training/partnering with MPD to develop security plans, especially around station entrances.
3. Location of security:  Security stationed closer to bathrooms or help desk staff area.  Security stationed outside of restrooms.
4. Improved lighting in parking areas, hallways, entrances, and waiting spaces (would help people feel safer and make it easier to identify suspicious activity).
5. Displaying posters/messaging about harassment and “security cameras” or “secure and monitored area.”  Additional notifications to travelers to be alert.
6. Cameras – Add a camera(s) right outside the bathrooms to cover the entrance.  More working cameras and active monitoring by staff or law enforcement could help respond to incidents quicker and discourage violent behavior from happening in the first place.  Possible cameras on bathroom doors to be monitored by security or desk employees.
7. Emergency protocols:  Develop clearer safety reporting and rapid response protocols for passengers and visitors, including visible signage on how to quickly access help during emergencies.  Prioritize community-centered safety strategies that increase feelings of safety and accessibility for vulnerable populations without relying solely on expanded law enforcement presence, particularly in ways that may unintentionally increase fear for immigrant communities, transgender people, and other marginalized populations.  Provide alarm buttons or emergency pull cords that can be used in case of an emergency.
8. Restroom porter/ambassadors.

We believe these measures can contribute to creating a safer environment and reducing the risk of future sexual assaults in the facility. Whereas we have made these suggestions we also have the expertise to provide guidance for implementing them. Please do not hesitate to call on the members of the commission and the many organizations that are represented for guidance when making improvements that will enhance the safety of all who frequent the intermodal station.