A source involved with planning Wisconsin Democrats’ annual state convention in the Wisconsin Dells this weekend said there will be additional security measures in light of the shooting of two Dem Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses this morning.
The person said the party “already had a robust security plan in place and is taking additional cautionary measures in light of the horrific events that unfolded in Minnesota earlier today.”
Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected officials condemned the shootings and voiced condolences for their neighboring state.
Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their Brooklyn Park home. Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot several times in an assassination attempt and underwent surgery, but are expected to survive.
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The shootings are said to be politically motivated, and both involved a suspect who was impersonating a police officer, news reports . The news comes as Wisconsin Dems prepare to attend their convention at Chula Vista Resort.
Gov. Tony Evers said his “heart breaks for our neighbors across the river.”
“We are praying for the Minnesota lawmakers and their families affected by this senseless political violence and all those who are working to respond to this horrific situation,” Evers said in a statement.
The state’s legislative leaders in a joint statement offered prayers for the victims and condemned political violence.
“No one should ever fear for their lives because of their service to their community. Political violence accomplishes nothing, and is never the answer. We hope that the assailant is apprehended swiftly,” read the statement from Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, Senate Minority Leader Diane Hesselbein, D-Middleton, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, D-Racine.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, said she is “stunned, terrified, and heartbroken just begin to describe this horror.”
“My heart goes out to the victims, their loved ones, and all our midwestern neighbors. Political violence like this is not who we are as a country. It’s on all of us to condemn and stop it at every turn,” Baldwin said.
U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, whose district borders Minnesota, said: “Political violence has no place in America. I fully condemn this attack, along with all forms of political violence and intimidation. Sara Jane and I are praying for the victims and their families.”
Senate President Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, also condemned the attacks.
“We cannot tolerate political violence in our country, and those who commit such heinous acts must be held fully accountable,” she said. “My prayers are with the families of both legislators, and I thank the first responders and those currently working to find the individual who committed these crimes. These actions will not be taken lightly, and the safety of all my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, is of utmost importance.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has advised Minnesotans against attending political rallies “out of an abundance of caution” until the suspect is apprehended. Widespread protests against President Donald Trump’s administration are expected today, the same day as Trump’s birthday and a Washington, D.C. military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
