Elected officials react to Waukesha school shooting
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – Democrats expressed disappointment in the lack of action on gun violence following a school shooting in Waukesha South High School.
“My heart is with the students, educators, and staff of Waukesha South High School and the entire Waukesha community as they mourn and endure the trauma of today’s shooting,” Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement. Evers added gratitude for the action of educators and first responders who worked quickly to keep students safe.
Evers continued, “Today is a grim reminder that this can happen anywhere, but I do not accept—nor should we accept—that this is an inevitable reality for our kids, our communities, our state, or our country.”
The governor hinted at the need to address the issue in the State Capitol, something he has tried to do recently.
In November, a Special Session called by Evers ended almost as soon as it began as republican leadership, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald refused to take up a pair of bills on gun safety up for debate or a vote.
It’s unclear as of now whether or not those bills would have prevented Monday’s incident at Waukesha South.
Other officials were more explicit in their call for action.
“Lawmakers have an obligation to do everything possible to ensure people feel safe where they attend school, work, and events in their community,” Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz said in a statement. “People in every corner of the state have voiced these fears to their elected officials and are looking to their leaders to act.”
Hintz ended his statement saying, “While there are no easy solutions to end gun violence, we cannot continue to sit back and do nothing. We will continue to pursue common sense gun safety measures to lower these incidents of violence moving forward.”
Republicans expressed gratitude for the work of first responders and educators.
“I commend the students, school personnel, and first responders at Waukesha South for their swift response to today’s incident,” said Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R – WI 5th).
GOP Senator Ron Johnson said that he was, “Thankful for the swift response at Waukesha South High School this morning. My thoughts are with the entire Waukesha community.”