Wisconsin Lawmakers Respond to Minnesota Assassination, Pledge Support for Increased Security

Following the recent assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, and the near-fatal shootings of another state lawmaker and his wife, the Wisconsin Legislature has taken steps to increase security at the Capitol and for its public officials. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu have expressed their willingness to discuss new security measures, citing the need to prevent political violence and protect public servants.

Key Takeaways:

• The Wisconsin Legislature has held its first floor sessions since the Minnesota assassination, with lawmakers expressing their commitment to safety and security.
• 11 Democratic lawmakers from Wisconsin were found on the list of people targeted by the suspect in the Minnesota shootings.
• Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has stated that while increasing security is necessary, making the Capitol a "fortress" may not be the most effective solution.
• Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu has emphasized the need to address differences through legislation, rather than resorting to violence.
• Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer has called for greater understanding and support for public officials and their families, who may be experiencing mental health impacts from the threats.
• Sen. Kelda Roys has proposed extending privacy protections to public officials, including legislative and executive branch officials.
• Vos has noted that state lawmakers are uniquely accessible to the public, which may influence conversations about additional security measures.
• The Wisconsin Legislature has passed bipartisan laws to help protect judges and their families.

Statistics:

• 11 Democratic lawmakers from Wisconsin were found on the list of people targeted by the suspect in the Minnesota shootings.
• 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter is the suspect in the assassination of Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband.
• Boelter is also suspected of shooting Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
• 57 Wisconsin lawmakers are now on a watchlist exposed by Boelter, adding to fears of potential rising violence against elected local and state officials.
• Senate and Assembly held moments of silence for the Hortmans.

Sources:

• Wisconsin Examiner: "More Security Requested at Capitol After Minnesota Attacks, Wisconsin Lawmakers Named on Hit List"
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "11 Wisconsin lawmakers named in Minnesota gunman's manifesto"
• Star Tribune: "Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman's children release statement after their parents' shooting"