Gunfire erupts at Milwaukee wedding. Cops allege it started when a groomsman ate meatballs with his hands

A dispute over table manners at a wedding reception in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ended in gunfire that injured two people and led prosecutors to charge a 41-year-old man with multiple felonies. Investigators allege the confrontation began in the kitchen area of the reception when the bride’s cousin saw a groomsman eating meatballs with his hands.

According to the criminal complaint, she asked him to use a plate instead. She told investigators the groomsman then punched her in the face, prompting her brother-in-law to intervene and fight with him.

Reports say the violence unfolded June 20, 2026, at a reception venue on the 5400 block of West Fond du Lac Avenue on Milwaukee‘s northwest side.

Gun fire rang out, striking the woman and another man, court docs state

The woman heard gunshots that reportedly struck her in the arm and shoulder. Her brother-in-law also suffered a gunshot wound after reporting that he felt pain in the back of his neck. Both victims received hospital treatment, according to Milwaukee police and the criminal complaint.

Authorities allege the groomsman did not fire the shots. Instead, witnesses identified Thomas Redrick Williams as the alleged shooter. According to the complaint, the bride told investigators she watched the confrontation through a service window. She said she heard a gunshot. She then saw a man she knew as “Boog” leave the kitchen holding a firearm.

According to the woman’s statements to police, she followed him outside. She then struggled with him long enough to take his vehicle key fob.

Police said surveillance cameras captured a man leaving the building. He appeared to carry a firearm before leaving the scene. The bride and two additional witnesses later identified Williams in separate photo lineups, according to court records.

Investigators also searched a black Chevrolet Escalade registered to Williams’ wife. According to the complaint, officers recovered a Taurus 9 mm handgun, an iPhone and an envelope addressed to Thomas Williams from inside the vehicle. Williams’ wife told investigators she kept the firearm in the glove compartment and that the couple had attended the wedding together before he later returned with the SUV.

Williams reportedly now faces two counts of first-degree reckless injury with use of a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and felony bail jumping. Court records state that authorities previously released Williams on bond in another case that prohibited him from possessing firearms or committing new offenses.

Authorities issued an arrest warrant on June 25, and authorities say Williams remains at large, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, viewed by local news outlet WISN and People.