(WTAQ-WLUK) — The pair of shootings of two lawmakers in Minnesota has sent shockwaves throughout the country, including for lawmakers in Wisconsin.
“It’s not worth killing people over. There’s, you know, people in elected office, we’re just people,” said State Sen. Jamie Wall, D-Green Bay. “We’re trying to do the best we can with the information we have and the life experiences that we’ve brought to the table.”
But, the shootings appear to be hitting even closer to home.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that 11 Wisconsin lawmakers, whom are all Democrats, are named in a manifesto authorities recovered during their search of the suspected gunman.
Wall says lawmakers have been made aware of the situation and have been in contact with authorities.
“I know the names of a few people on it, but we’ve been very strongly advised by law enforcement not to talk about those people,” said Wall.
Wall said he is not on the list.
“The people who are on that list, know they’re on that list, and you know, and appropriate measures are being taken for their security,” said Wall.
The shootings happened the same day the Democratic Party of Wisconsin convention began in Wisconsin Dells.
A convention planning organzier released a statement:
The Democratic Party of Wisconsin had a robust security plan in place at the outset of the convention. During these tumultuous times, we took it upon ourselves to ensure our attendees could feel safe and enjoy the convention to its fullest extent. As the horrific events unfolded in our neighboring Minnesota, and with news moving incredibly quickly, we worked with our security detail as well as local law enforcement to increase their presence and make clear to our attendees that they are safe. These are terribly scary times — the fact that you can be hunted down and assassinated simply for being a public servant is not an America we recognize.
Wisconsin Legislative leadership, which includes, Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, State Senate Democratic Leader Diane Hesselbein, D-Middleton, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Assembly Democratic Leader Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, released a statement on the shootings, which reads:
“The horrific attacks against Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman appear to be targeted acts of political violence. We grieve for Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband, Mark, and hold Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in our thoughts as we pray for their full recovery. 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.”
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