Elected leaders at the local, state and federal levels are reacting to the shooting at Mayfair Mall from Friday afternoon.
Governor Evers:
We are also thinking about all the customers and workers affected by this act of violence and are grateful for the first responders who helped get people to safety. As we learn more, we offer our support for the entire Wauwatosa community as they grapple with this tragedy.
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) November 21, 2020
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin:
The tragic violence at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa today is horrifying. My heart breaks for the victims and their loved ones. Thank you to our first responders for their brave and rapid response.
— Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) November 21, 2020
U.S. Senator Ron Johnson:
My thoughts are with all those injured in the Mayfair Mall shooting. Praying for a full and speedy recovery. https://t.co/yqB63VRomr
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) November 21, 2020
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul:
It’s awful that another community in Wisconsin is suffering after a mass shooting. I wish the victims a full recovery, and I’m thinking of them and their families. Thank you to the the first responders who responded and the officers working the investigation at Mayfair Mall.
— Attorney General Josh Kaul (@WisDOJ) November 21, 2020
State Representative Robyn Vining & State Senator Dale Kooyenga:
Today, eight people were shot at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa. The Wauwatosa Police Department confirmed there were eight people injured – seven adults and one teenager – and there have been no fatalities. Law enforcement is still seeking the suspect at this time.
State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) and State Senator Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) issued the following statement regarding the incident:
Representative Vining: “I have been closely monitoring the active shooter situation at Mayfair Mall today. I appreciate the work of the first responders, law enforcement, and local officials responding to this situation, and our health care professionals at Froedtert Hospital, and Children’s Wisconsin, who are caring for our gunshot victims.
“My concern is with those injured, their loved ones, and all those exposed to the violence. It is important to understand the psychology of the ripple effect of those injured, and those exposed to violence. These incidents produce trauma that is critical to acknowledge, to address. We need to ensure access to trauma support. The violence doesn’t disappear when the incident concludes.
“The Milwaukee Trauma Response Team is available to support the children and families of those injured, as well as those exposed to the violence. Call this number for support: 414-257-7621. The Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention is available to assist adults and mall personnel who were injured today, as well as those exposed to the violence. Email or call: [email protected]; Phone: 414-286-5597.”
Senator Kooyenga: “As details continue to come in, one thing is clear: an act of evil has been perpetrated on our community. I join all Tosans in praying for the recovery of those injured and for their loved ones. I thank the Wauwatosa Police for their quick response, and I am confident they will bring the individual responsible for this horrendous crime to justice.”
Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson:
I am profoundly shocked by the shooting this afternoon that left eight people wounded inside Mayfair Mall. The senseless burst of gunfire inside what we know is one of the busiest and most popular malls in the region is deeply disturbing, and tonight I offer thoughts of sympathy and healing to the victims.
I ask that citizens offer help and comfort to the victims during their time of recovery and healing from their injuries. According to Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride, it appears that thankfully, none of the victims appear to have life-threatening injuries. With the number of shots that were fired inside the mall (according to witnesses), the fact that no one was killed is by sheer, blind luck.
Wauwatosa Police – with the assistance of law enforcement partners from throughout the area, including Milwaukee Police and the FBI – are investigating the shooting and what exactly transpired. As of this writing, the person believed to be the shooter is still at large.
I am profoundly shocked by the shooting this afternoon that left eight people wounded inside Mayfair Mall. The senseless burst of gunfire inside what we know is one of the busiest and most popular malls in the region is deeply disturbing, and tonight I offer thoughts of sympathy and healing to the victims.
I ask that citizens offer help and comfort to the victims during their time of recovery and healing from their injuries. According to Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride, it appears that thankfully, none of the victims appear to have life-threatening injuries. With the number of shots that were fired inside the mall (according to witnesses), the fact that no one was killed is by sheer, blind luck.
Wauwatosa Police – with the assistance of law enforcement partners from throughout the area, including Milwaukee Police and the FBI – are investigating the shooting and what exactly transpired. As of this writing, the person believed to be the shooter is still at large.
Anyone with information about today’s shooting is urged to contact Wauwatosa Police at (414) 471-8430.
Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention Director Reggie Moore:
In an unprecedented year for gun violence across the country we are faced with yet another tragic and preventable mass shooting. Our thoughts are with the victims, staff, shoppers, and everyone impacted by this incident. We commend the quick actions of mall staff and first responders in assisting families to safety and the life-saving efforts of the trauma unit at Froedtert Hospital.
According to the national Gun Violence Archive (GVA) there have been 571 mass shootings so far in the United States this year in comparison to a total of 417 in 2019. Since 2009 over 1,500 people have been killed in the United States in a mass shooting and over 900 were wounded. 2020 is on track to have the most mass shootings since GVA began tracking these incidents in 2013.
The impact of gun violence stretches far beyond those killed or injured, but impacts their families, friends, co-workers, and entire communities. These events can be especially traumatic for children and youth.
If there are any families in need of counseling support for children or teens that may have been in the mall at the time, we encourage them to contact the Milwaukee Trauma Response Team at: 414-257-7621.
The Trauma Response Team is a partnership between the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention and Milwaukee County’s Child Mobile Crisis team to support children and youth exposed to violent or traumatic incidents in our community.
