Madison, WI – The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial (WLEM Inc) Board of Directors expresses profound disappointment with the Dane County District Attorney’s Office’s handling of the June 14, 2025, vandalism incident at the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial during the “No Kings” protest in Madison. The memorial, a sacred site honoring 294 fallen law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for Wisconsin communities, was defaced with black spray paint bearing hateful and inflammatory messages targeting law enforcement. The vandalism, committed by suspects Nathan Schilling and Catherine Thoemke, included derogatory phrases and symbols calling for violence against law enforcement intended to incite hostility and disrespected the memory of the honored officers. Out of respect for the survivors, The WLEM Board of Directors has chosen not to release photographs of the damage, recognizing the emotional toll such images could inflict on families and friends of the fallen.
Initially, the Dane County District Attorney’s Office charged the adult suspects and recognized WLEM Inc. as a victim in this case. However, on August 14, 2025, a representative from the office contacted WLEM Chairman Craig Kolbeck to discuss referring the case to the Community Restorative Court, a diversion program that WLEM Inc. believes is inappropriate given the severity and symbolic significance of the offense. After consulting with its Board, WLEM Inc. communicated its opposition to this referral on August 18, 2025. Despite this, the office had already referred the case to the restorative court, with the approval of the Department of Administration, which was designated the sole victim due to the memorial’s location on Capitol grounds. This decision, made in less than three business days, deprived WLEM Inc. of a meaningful opportunity to confer as guaranteed under the Wisconsin Constitution. In response, WLEM Inc. has filed a formal complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Crime Victim Review Board, to address the handling of this case. Notably, WLEM Inc. was granted victim status in prior vandalism cases prosecuted by the same office, raising concerns about inconsistent application of victim rights and lack of transparency in the process.
This incident marks the fourth vandalism of the memorial since 2017, underscoring a troubling pattern of disrespect. Previous incidents in 2017, 2020, and 2023 have caused significant financial costs for repairs and imposed a heavy emotional burden on survivors. None of the suspects arrested for the attacks have been held accountable for their action. All have been offered deferred prosecution or similar programs.
In response to these recurring attacks, WLEM Inc. urges the passage of Wisconsin Senate Bill 394 and its companion Assembly Bill 401. These bills would strengthen criminal penalties for damage or graffiti to historical and commemorative properties, offering enhanced protections for sites like the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial.
The WLEM Board of Directors calls on lawmakers, law enforcement organizations, and the public to support SB394 and AB401 to protect our shared heritage and ensure that acts of vandalism against memorials are met with appropriate consequences. WLEM Inc. remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the dignity of the memorial and supporting the families it represents.
About the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Memorial:
The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial, located on the grounds of the State Capitol in Madison, honors the memory of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty since 1848. Engraved with the names of 294 fallen heroes, it serves as a solemn reminder of their sacrifice and a place of reflection for families, friends, and the public. For more information, visit www.wlem.com.
