MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — A Republican bill approved by the Wisconsin state Senate provides penalties for “violent riots.”
On the Senate floor last week the bill’s author, Fond du Lac Republican Dan Feyen, cited 2020 riots in Madison
“People were hurt, statues torn down, cars and buildings set on fire, property destroyed and vandalized. Firebombs thrown. None of this is at all peaceful,” Feyen said.
But Milwaukee Democrat Chris Larson questioned whether the bill gives too much leeway to law enforcement.
“I’m wondering what the disincentive is for a law enforcement agent to just go buck wild on protesters as soon as there is one sign of property damage or one sign of violence,” Larson said.
The bill passed on a partisan voice vote, and if it passes the Assembly would likely face a veto from Democratic Governor Tony Evers.