Public officials react to mass shooting at Milwaukee's Molson Coors plant
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- State and national lawmakers are reacting to the mass workplace shooting that took place at Molson Coors, Wednesday, Feb. 26.
In a news conference Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump said, "I'd like to extend my deepest condolences to the victims and families in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Earlier today, a wicked murderer opened fire at a Molson Coors brewing company plant, taking the lives of five people. A number of people were wounded -- some badly wounded. Our hearts break for them and their loved ones. We send our condolences, we'll be with them and it's a terrible thing, terrible thing. So our hearts go out to the people of Wisconsin, and to the families."
"This is a time for us to think about those families, because there were five individuals who went to work today just like everybody goes to work," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "And they thought they were going to go to work, finish their day and return to their families. They didn't, and tragically, they never will."
“This is gut-wrenching," Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said. "My heart goes out to Molson Coors employees, their families, and the entire Milwaukee community. The DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation is on the scene and will continue assisting local law enforcement with whatever they need.”
"The hearts of every Wisconsinite are heavy as we mourn those who lost their lives today in Milwaukee," said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. "These are men and women who came to work every day, proud to work for a hometown company like Molson Coors. I ask everyone to keep these men and women, their families, friends and everyone at Molson Coors in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
The shooting happened in Milwaukee's 15th district. Alderman Russell Stamper was on scene, but wrote in a statement:
"I join my colleagues, the residents of the 15th Aldermanic District and the entire City of Milwaukee family in offering sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of today's horrific mass workplace shooting at Molson Coors (also commonly called MillerCoors).
If you can take a moment, please offer comfort to the loved ones of the victims, and also offer prayers and support for the workers of Molson Coors. The coming days and weeks ahead will be unimaginably challenging for them.
"I am profoundly saddened to learn about the number of lives lost today at a Molson Coors facility, State Senator Lena Taylor said. "While we wait to understand the motive behind this tragedy, many of us are again shaking our heads in disbelief. We are forced to question if this was preventable? Were there warning signs? For now, however, we will humbly mourn the loss of life, support our neighbors and their families, and work to get through this difficult time."
"We are heartbroken by the senseless killings in Milwaukee today," said U.S. Senator Ron Johnson. "Thanks to the first responders who bravely put themselves in harm's way. Our condolences go out to everyone in the community affected by today's horrific events."
"While we are still awaiting additional information on the MillerCoors shooting, our prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones today in the wake of this tragedy," said Rep. LaKeshia Myers. "We applaud the rapid response of the first responders who reacted to the MolsonCoors campus with expedience."
Local lawmakers tweeted:
Our hearts go out to the families of those whose lives were senselessly taken, all of the folks and workers at Molson Coors, and the Milwaukee community as we grapple with yet another act of gun violence that will have long-lasting consequences for this community and our state.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) February 27, 2020
Gun violence has taken too many lives in Milwaukee and the mass shooting today is heartbreaking.
— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) February 26, 2020
I want to thank the first responders who ran into harm's way and saved lives. My office is standing by to help the #MKE community in the wake of this tragedy.
My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by today's tragedy in Milwaukee. @MolsonCoors is a part of our community and we are a part of theirs. My heart goes out to everyone affected during this unimaginable time.
— Evan Goyke (@RepGoyke) February 26, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were killed or injured in the devastating workplace shooting in Milwaukee.
— LaTonya Johnson (@StateSenLaTonya) February 26, 2020
I am monitoring the situation at MillerCoors in Milwaukee closely. My prayers are with the victims. Thank you to law enforcement for their response and continued efforts.
— Bryan Steil (@RepBryanSteil) February 26, 2020
National lawmakers and other public officials also reacted on social media after hearing the news:
We are closely following developments surrounding the shooting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones and the first responders protecting the community. Congress has a duty to them all to take real action to #EndGunViolence.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) February 26, 2020
While details are still emerging in Milwaukee, this much is clear: We mourn another devastating tragedy. My heart goes out to all who lost loved ones. May we find the strength and will to act against gun violence, and never accept the unacceptable.
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) February 26, 2020
