Wisconsin Lawmakers React To Parkland Shooting

MILWAUKEE, WI — Wisconsin lawmakers offered their condolences after authorities reported that 17 people were shot to death and numerous others injured Wednesday after a former student opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel identified the shooter as Nikolas Cruz, 19, who was arrested just after the mass shooting began just before the end of the school day.

Here is what Wisconsin officials are saying:

Sen. Ron Johnson

Horrified by the senseless act of violence in Florida today. My prayers go out to all the families affected. -rj
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) February" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/SenRonJohn... 14, 2018

Rep. Mark Pocan

Speaker Paul Ryan

“We have lowered the flags here in the Capitol to half-staff. Our first thoughts are with the families of those who were lost. We know at least five people right now are fighting for their lives, and we need to pray for each one of those people who are fighting for their lives right now. We also just thank God for law enforcement and for the heroes in this school.

“I just want to offer this: There are a lot of worries that come with being a parent of teenagers. We have got three of them. But this is—this is the nightmare. This is pure evil. For these kids, yesterday should have just been a typical high school day. In an instant, this became the worst day of their lives.

“You know, I was looking at this this morning. I go back to this message that one of the students sent to her mom. She said, ‘If I don't make it, I love you, and I appreciate everything you did for me.’

“I mean, all that fear, that terror—for her to think of love and even gratitude for her parents. We can learn a lot from our kids.

“This is one of those moments where we just need to step back and count our blessings. We need to think less about taking sides and fighting each other politically and just pulling together. This House, and the whole country, stands with the Parkland community.”

Gov. Scott Walker

My family and I are praying for those in Florida who have been affected by this senseless tragedy especially the faculty, students and their families, and the first responders. To mourn this tragedy, flags in Wisconsin will be lowered to half-staff until Monday, February 19, 2018. Here in Wisconsin we will continue to work with legislators and law enforcement on how to best keep our communities safe. We have already put new funding in the state budget for mental health services in our schools after hearing about concerns from superintendents, principals and teachers at listening sessions across the state. We are also always willing to work with other Governors and the Administration on other ways we can make our state and our country safer.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin

My heart breaks for the victims of senseless gun violence in Broward County. This is yet another school shooting and another tragedy our nation must confront. https://t.co/YXp4ZIfoK2
— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) February" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/SenatorBal... 14, 2018

Top Photo: Alison Shonk, 18, and her mother, Wendy, came from opposite directions on foot to a tearful sidewalk reunion on University Drive as sirens wailed around them Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, in Parkland, Florida. Photo by Paul Scicchitano.

Story photos by Scott Anderson/Patch.com