Wiley issues statement on Halloween weekend disturbance

More than 50,000 party-goers mobbed State Street last weekend to celebrate Halloween. For the second consecutive year, the weekend was marred by an early- morning disturbance that included broken windows and numerous citations and arrests.

The events took place despite an extensive planning and organizational effort by city officials, and the Madison and UW police departments.

Chancellor John Wiley released a statement expressing his disappointment and frustration with the small minority of students — estimated at 500 or so — who ruined the celebration “for this year, and very likely, for many years to come.” The statement continues:

“All parties involved worked hard to make the holiday enjoyable, while keeping safety as the first priority.

“I cannot compliment highly enough the coordinated efforts of all of the law enforcement, fire department and EMS personnel working the streets through the weekend. Put simply, they saved lives and prevented injuries.

“The university will support the city’s efforts to hold individuals accountable for any property damage or personal injuries that occurred. We will also continue to be a part of this process as the city reassesses this situation for the future.”