MADISON, Wis. — Leaders at all levels of government are faced with the difficult realization that what happened to Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman, could have happened to any one of them.
Local and state lawmakers in Wisconsin, and around the country, routinely attend events with no security, and their home addresses are often public record.
At least one Wisconsin lawmaker Spectrum News asked to speak on this topic said they were too scared to be interviewed in light of what happened in Minnesota.
It’s prompting many to rethink how much personal information they make public.
“I am out in the public all the time,” said Wisconsin State Sen. Chris Larson, who represents southeast Milwaukee County. “I was just out weeding my yard. We live among the people, so we are not paid a salary enough to be able to have armed security.”
Larson, who has been in state government for nearly 15 years, is also a husband and father. He said he doesn’t want to let political violence intimidate him from doing his job. He wants to remain accessible to the people and communities he represents.
“My kids are with me at events, they knock on doors, they can go by themselves and that's it. We can’t fear each other,” said Larson.
Melissa Agard served in the state government before becoming Dane County Executive. She said getting angry messages and even threats are an unfortunate part of the job.
“I am a single mom, my kids come with me to many places, and I’ve had to have conversations with my kids that are really uncomfortable,” said Agard. “My kids have had hard conversations with me like, ‘Mom maybe you shouldn't go and do that.’”
Agard said there’s a very fine line between transparency and privacy as a local government official.
“I will say there have been many times where I come home and there are constituents in my driveway, and that can be a little startling because you don’t know what it is that brought them there,” she said.
The office of Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos confirmed they have requested an increased security presence for an upcoming floor session on Wednesday.
Wisconsin legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle put out a joint statement on the tragedy. The statement was issued by Vos and Republican Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, along with Democratic State Senate and Assembly leaders Diane Hesselbein and Greta Neubauer. It reads:
“The horrific attacks against Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman appear to be targeted acts of political violence. We grieve for Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband, Mark, and hold Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in our thoughts as we pray for their full recovery. No one should ever fear for their lives because of their service to their community. Political violence accomplishes nothing and is never the answer.”
Senate Sergeant at Arms, Timothy LaSage, issued a statement Monday, saying his office has coordinated with Capitol Police to implement additional safety measures. His statement reads:
In light of recent national events and in continued efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all legislators, staff, and visitors, the Wisconsin State Senate Sergeant at Arms has announced a series of enhanced security protocols at the State Capitol.
Effective immediately, the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms, in coordination with the Wisconsin Capitol Police, has implemented updated measures that include increased situational awareness practices, strengthened access control points, and updated emergency response protocols. These proactive steps are designed to provide a secure and responsive environment while maintaining the Capitol’s tradition of public accessibility and civic engagement.
"The safety of those who serve, work, and visit the Capitol is my top priority," said Senate Sergeant at Arms Timothy La Sage. "We remain vigilant and prepared. These enhancements are part of our ongoing commitment to security and public service."
Out of respect for operational integrity, specific security details will not be disclosed publicly. The Senate leadership continues to work closely with law enforcement partners to assess risks and make necessary adjustments in real-time.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow all posted signage and cooperate with Senate Sergeant at Arms personnel and Capitol Police.
These new measures come after Wisconsin lawmakers were reportedly named in a manifesto written by the gunman suspected of killing Hortman and her husband and shooting Hoffman and his wife.
A statement from Eli Rosen, spokesperson for U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin reads:
"Senator Baldwin was informed by law enforcement that she was included on the alleged shooter’s list of names. She is grateful for law enforcement's swift action to keep the community safe and remains focused on the things that matter most here: honoring the legacy and life of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, praying for the other victims who are fighting for their lives, and condemning this abhorrent, senseless political violence."
And U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan shared this message on social media:
“I recently heard that my name was listed in one of the Minnesota shooting suspect's notebooks and I'm appreciative that law enforcement apprehended the suspect. I will not back down in the face of terror, however, we as elected officials, must do better to lower the temperature. That said, my schedule remains unchanged.”
