Rep. Barnes Statement on Donald Trump Style Fear Mongering by GOP Legislator

MADISON – In a toxic, Donald Trump-esque statement, a Wisconsin State Representative claimed that “families were forced to unlock their gun cabinets and instruct their loved ones to shoot to kill” in reference to the presence of five juveniles who allegedly fled in a stolen vehicle in Washington County. She also proposed ceasing state funding for Milwaukee due to heightened crime levels that threaten Milwaukee’s “flourishing suburbs.”

Rep. Mandela Barnes (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement regarding these comments:

“Fear mongering to promote an ignorant and reprehensible agenda does little to acknowledge or address the real problems that communities in Wisconsin face. The sense of entitlement being cultivated beyond the borders of Milwaukee promotes a dangerous narrative that preys on socioeconomic and racial disparities.

“While the idea of loading a deadly weapon to defend oneself against the mere presence of juveniles in a county seems irrational at best, policies championed by extreme gun activists unfortunately allow people to do just that in Wisconsin. This outlandish reaction by the Republican Representative is an example of the dangers of policies like the Castle Doctrine and irresponsible gun ownership in our state.

“Wisconsin Republicans have long ignored the real work and efforts by legislators and community members in Milwaukee to address the root causes of criminal activity. Instead, they have chosen to make rash threats and trumpet politically driven initiatives that prevent Milwaukee children and families from achieving success.

“This needlessly divisive rhetoric fails to acknowledge this fundamental truth: when Milwaukee succeeds, Wisconsin succeeds. While people like Republican Representative Janel Brandtjen would prefer to follow Donald Trump’s lead by building a wall around Milwaukee instead of providing the state’s largest city with the resources it needs to flourish, I remain steadfastly dedicated to my hometown. I will continue to work to improve our community by lifting up the strong and vibrant people who are proud to call Milwaukee home.”

Rep. Brandtjen’s comments can be found at the following link.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.