[Madison, WI] – In a scathing editorial that ran yesterday, the Kenosha News criticized Democratic Governor Tony Evers for his weak leadership and slow action during the crisis in Kenosha. Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Andrew Hitt released the following statement on Democrats fanning the flames that have led to mob violence in Kenosha:
“Tony Evers, Mandela Barnes, and Kamala Harris have repeatedly escalated this situation without the facts — often making gross generalizations of hard-working police officers in our state. As a former prosecutor, it makes me sick to see how irresponsible these remarks have been. All of Wisconsin’s major law enforcement associations are asking our state’s Democratic leaders to stop making statements, because their remarks continue to stir up more unrest that leaves officers and the public in danger. Democrats failed to lead, and Kenosha burned because of it.”
Read the full editorial from the Kenosha News here or find excerpts from it below.
“Our view: Is it too little, too late, governor?”
Editorial
Kenosha News
August 27, 2020
…
Evers knew about the situation in Kenosha and the potential for looting and violence hours earlier. He did nothing, instead throwing Kenosha and its police department under the bus.
On Tuesday he ordered more National Guard troops to come here, but nowhere near the number local law enforcement needs. He turned down an offer for federal help.
…
Evers has time to work with the Republican majority to achieve reforms that are supported by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.
But he has no more time to swiftly mobilize necessary state and federal law enforcement support to stop this unrest and the staggering blow to this community.
Evers’ statement on Sunday fueled the fire before any rioters got here. His insufficient response has put a Wisconsin city and its residents in danger. Now he needs to do everything the state can to help Kenosha and protect its citizens.
It’s about time he did something, and more may be needed immediately.
