Harris' full day in Wisconsin shifts after Hamas leader killed

GREEN BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Less than three weeks before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris spent Thursday, Oct. 17 entirely in Wisconsin, making three stops in different corners of this pivotal state.

With a stop at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), Vice President Harris met with students to talk about her plan to build an economy she says will support entrepreneurship and small business growth. However, the tone of her visit quickly shifted with the news of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar being killed in Gaza.

Dozens of student protesters gathered on campus to criticize the current administration’s stance on the war in the Middle East but learned of the significant international news during Harris’ trip to the state.

“We’re going to make our voices heard,” said Anatoli Rasmussen a student at UW-Milwaukee. Rasmussen stated that the deaths in Gaza are a result of the conflict, calling it a genocide.

Vice President Harris also visited a business class at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with businessman and entrepreneur Mark Cuban.

As she drove past students in the motorcade, some UW-Milwaukee students were able to catch a glimpse of her waving to the crowd that gathered to watch her.

“Being able to see this unfold in front of me, I feel a part of history and it’s really special,” said Elizabeth Cyr, a student at Marquette University who came to UW-Milwaukee campus to watch the pageantry of the visit.

“I think this is the most action our campus has seen in a while,” said Dalina Jonuzi, a student at UW-Milwaukee. “I think it’s great, I think it can help students be informed of what’s going on.”

Dozens of law enforcement agencies from across the state were on campus to block off roads and address protesters during the visit.