After Minnesota shootings, increased security for Wisconsin Capitol sessions; lawmakers not commiting to long-term changes

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- For the first time since the weekend assassination and shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses, the Wisconsin Legislature went into session Wednesday, June 18. There was a noticeable increase in security, but leaders from both parties were hesitant to voice support for long-term changes.

Police officers patrolled outside the entrances to both the Assembly and Senate chambers. Staffers used hand-held metal detectors to check people seeking to enter the Senate gallery, which has not happened in the past.

Both chambers opened with moments of silence for former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were shot to death in their homes by a gunman dressed like a police officer.

The gunman also severely wounded Democratic State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their home.

"We all have responsibility when it comes to toning down the political rhetoric we use each day," Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said at the outset of Wednesday's session. "Both political parties suffer from political intimidation, name calling and the risk of physical violence."

Vos acknowledged requesting extra security for Wednesday's session, and he said Republicans will discuss potential long-term changes. Vos did not commit to permanent security measures, such as installing metal detectors at the Capitol's entrances.

"The thing that's most scary is this didn't occur in a Capitol," Vos told reporters. "It occurred at someone's home, so the idea of trying to make the Capitol into a fortress, I don't know if that necessarily would even have ever done anything in this situation."

Democratic legislative leaders declined to discuss what types of changes, if any, they want to see related to security at the Capitol.

Democratic sources told CBS 58 over the weekend 11 Wisconsin Democrats were on hit lists made by the Minnesota gunman. Congressional Democrats, Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Reps. Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan confirmed Monday their names were on a list.

"We're not gonna comment at this point on specific security measures but are open to longer term conversations to ensure everyone feels safe," State Rep. Greta Neubauer (R-Racine) said.

Senate Republican leaders did not take questions from reporters before their session Wednesday. Gov. Tony Evers did not stop to talk to reporters before a Juneteenth flag raising ceremony at the Capitol.

Evers' office has said in the past it does not comment on matters related to security protocols.

State Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) has said she would support expanding a state law that currently shields the home addresses of judges. Roys said she'd want those protections to also cover lawmakers, prosecutors and public defenders.

Vos said he wasn't closing the door on the possibility but added he has reservations about that idea.

"We're certainly open to looking at that. I don't wanna say yes or no," Vos said. "But the difference is the job of a state legislator is so much more public than the job of somebody in the judiciary."