By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Democrats in Wisconsin are doubling down on their efforts to pass restrictive gun control laws, claiming their efforts are in the interest of “common sense,” after Republicans reportedly stripped the provisions from the state budget.
WPR is reporting that sponsors of the legislation “hope to prevent gun violence, which typically spikes during the summer months.”
However, there is no evidence any of their suggestions will prevent any violent crime.
According to WKOW News, the proposals include:
- A 48-hour “waiting period” on all gun purchases, which had been repealed ten years ago by then-Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican.
- “Expanded background checks” on all gun sales in the state, including gun shows, flea markets or even private sales resulting from classified advertising.
- A ban on so-called “ghost guns,” which are targeted because they lack serial numbers.
- Instituting a process for extreme risk protection orders, also known as a “red flag” law.
WKOW is reporting that state Rep. Shelia Stubbs, a Madison Democrat, declared, “We should be embarrassed. In the state of Wisconsin, there are absolutely solutions to this violence.”
“There are concrete steps that we can take to make our community safer for all,” she said. “We must do something in this state, and we must do it right now.”
WPR quoted Milwaukee Democrat LaTonya Johnson asserting, “Year after year, I’ve watched Republicans cut every single gun safety proposal from the state budget. And year after year, we see more victims and families burying their babies.”
However, Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos reportedly fired back: “People should be concerned about those who don’t want to lock up criminals committing serious crimes. Passing more restrictions on law-abiding gun owners is typical overreach by the Democrats that doesn’t solve the problem.”
Democrats argue the waiting period would not only help prevent violent crimes, but also suicides. They cite the 2024 suicide by former Democratic state Rep. Jonathan Brostoff as their reason. Ironically, according to a Fox6 news report at the time, Brostoff was described by State Sen. Chris Larson as a “fierce advocate for mental health and part of the suicide prevention task force.”
