Barrett “did the right thing”

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who had surgery on his hand yesterday following an assault by a man with a metal pipe late Saturday night, may leave Froedtert Hospital as early as today, according to his brother John.

In an early morning interview with WTMJ-AM, John Barrett reported that his brother appears to be recovering fast.

“From the time I saw him Saturday night, it was like, holy mackerel, look at this, to yesterday, when he looked pretty normal. He’s got this big bandage on his arm but I think he’s coming around pretty fast,” the mayor’s brother said. “He must be a quick healer.”

Barrett confirmed that his brother injured his hand throwing a punch.

“That’s my understanding,” Barrett said. “He may have tried to fight back.”

Many people are referring to Barrett as a hero and his brother expressed pride in how he handled himself.

“Well I think a lot of times you never know how you’re gonna react in this type of situation,” Barrett said. “I think in all of our minds we think, well, I’d naturally do the right thing, but a lot of times when you’re confronted with this type of thing, it’s a difficult choice. And he did the right thing and I’m proud of him.”

John Barrett also reported that his brother enjoyed a chocolate shake yesterday.

“We’re a family that likes our sweets, unfortunately. He very much loves the Gille’s shakes and that was a real treat for him.”