MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Sunday’s officer-involved shooting in Kenosha has led state leaders to release statements on the incident.
Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement Sunday night that he stands against excessive use of force when engaging with Black Wisconsinites.
Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson both called for peace while supporting an independent and thorough investigation.
Sen. Johnson’s statement:
“I support a full and thorough investigation into the events leading up to yesterday’s officer-involved shooting in Kenosha. While emotions are understandably running high in the Kenosha community and elsewhere, I urge any demonstrators to remain peaceful and give our justice system the opportunity to work.”
Republican Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke also responded to the shooting and encouraged elected officials to resist temptation to rush to judgement.
“By now, we’ve all heard what happened yesterday in Kenosha. What we must now do is await further details and see the Department of Justice-lead investigation of this shooting through to its conclusion without racing towards judgment. Any protests that occur must be peaceful. Violence begets violence and does nothing to further any cause. While the wheels of justice turn slowly, justice itself is what everyone deserves and cannot be prejudged or predetermined. I encourage elected officials to resist the temptation to rush to judgment as well. The frustration and anger that many in our communities are feeling must be met with empathy, but cannot be further fueled by politicians’ statements or actions that can stoke flames of violence. What we can and should do is encourage, emphatically, peace in our communities and a fair and just investigation that answers the questions we all have. I hope you’ll all join me in praying for all of those involved.”
State GOP Chairman Andrew Hitt said in a statement that Sunday night’s statement from Gov. Evers has put the Kenosha community at risk for more violence.
“There is a tragic human cost whenever anyone is injured or dies while interacting with law enforcement. We must have a thorough accounting of the facts — it’s good that authorities have moved to quickly investigate this incident, but it’s clear we still don’t have the full picture. Our thoughts are with those involved and who witnessed the incident. We pray that the City of Kenosha finds calm during these turbulent times. As a former prosecutor, I know one of the most dangerous situations is when someone is walking away from law enforcement who already have firearms drawn and that person is going towards or reaching into a vehicle. That greatly enhances the risk that that person is obtaining a weapon that could be fatally used against law enforcement. Unfortunately Gov. Evers statement last night jumped to conclusions even while the full scope of events has yet to be released and that puts the Kenosha community at risk for more violence. Last night we saw businesses burn and an officer knocked unconscious after being smashed in the head with a brick. Leaders shouldn’t stoke mob violence with only grainy cell-phone videos. The governor’s statement provoked anger and fear at a time when Wisconsin needs the facts and a steady hand.”
The Wisconsin Department of Justice is leading an investigation.
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