In Wisconsin, the Democratic governor announced the formation of a new office aimed at tackling gun violence on Tuesday. This decision follows closely on the heels of a tragic school shooting that took place near the state Capitol last month. Governor Tony Evers’ initiative has faced immediate backlash from Republican lawmakers, who have labeled the effort as misdirected.
At a news conference, Evers urged the Republican-led Legislature to support a range of gun control and public safety initiatives, emphasizing that the reduction of violence should be a collective priority that goes beyond partisan divides. Despite his appeals, the Legislature has previously dismissed several of Evers’ proposals, such as implementing universal background checks for gun purchases. Evers contended that the recent shooting incident at Abundant Life Christian School underscored the urgent necessity for legislative action.
“Addressing crime and violence should enjoy genuine bipartisan backing,” Evers stated during the press event, flanked by advocates, Democratic legislators, and key figures from Madison’s law enforcement, all of whom responded to the school shooting. However, Republican lawmakers expressed strong disapproval of the new office.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos vocally criticized the proposal, describing it as poorly conceived and suggesting it constituted “a bunch of touchy-feely bureaucrats” whose efforts would ultimately squander resources without effecting change. He asserted, “The most effective violence prevention office is the police,” during a separate news briefing.
Meanwhile, Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu adopted a more reserved stance, highlighting that GOP legislators have allocated funds to various violence prevention initiatives, including the establishment of a state Office of School Safety. Despite the previous discussions about creating the office before the school shooting, Evers said the incident helped solidify the decision to move forward with it.
Madison’s Police Chief, Shon Barnes, who plans to transition to Seattle’s police chief role next month, commended the establishment of the new anti-violence office, labeling it a “transformative approach” to understanding and addressing the underlying issues of violence within communities. He remarked, “No city, regardless of its size or reputation, is immune from gun violence. We must grasp that safeguarding our neighborhoods requires a comprehensive understanding of violence that surpasses conventional law enforcement.”
Evers outlined that the new office aims to develop public educational campaigns and foster safer community environments. Furthermore, it will provide grants focused on curbing violence, especially gun-related incidents, directed at various entities, including school districts, firearms retailers, law enforcement bodies, nonprofits, and government agencies.
To support the establishment of this office, Evers announced that $10 million in federal funds would be allocated. He also indicated that his upcoming state budget proposal would seek further state funding to ensure the office’s operations over the next two years, though Vos affirmed that Assembly Republicans would oppose this request.
In addition to the office’s creation, Evers signaled his intention to propose an extensive set of gun violence prevention and public safety strategies. Following the general elections in November, Republican majorities in the Legislature have diminished, prompting Evers and the Democrats to express hopes for increased bipartisan collaboration and consideration of previously disregarded ideas. However, following the December 16 tragedy at the Abundant Life Christian School, Republican lawmakers have not indicated support for any of the gun control measures advocated by Democrats.
Public sentiment in Wisconsin has consistently shown strong backing for various gun control measures. In 2019, Evers convened a special session aimed at passing a universal background check bill along with a “red flag” law enabling judges to confiscate firearms from individuals considered a risk to themselves or others. Nevertheless, Republicans promptly adjourned the session without engaging in discussions on the proposals. This marked the initiation of numerous special sessions orchestrated by Evers since 2019, all of which failed to yield results.
Over the past six years, Democrats have reintroduced not only these measures but more than twenty additional bills aimed at enhancing gun safety. Despite this, Republicans have consistently blocked their advancement. Instead, Republican representatives have put forward legislation to broaden gun access and have even considered proposals for arming educators. Evers vetoed GOP bills in 2022 that would have permitted concealed carry permit holders to bring firearms into vehicles on school property and in churches situated on private school grounds.
