Local leaders calling on Gov. Evers and Legislature to take action on gun violence

 

MILWAUKEE COUNTY (CBS 58) -- Leaders across the state want more to be done to stop mass shootings.

The League of Wisconsin Municipalities, along with area law enforcement are urging Gov. Evers and the Legislature to help put end to gun violence.

From the largest cities, to rural communities, more than 180 leaders have signed a letter asking for support to curb the epidemic.

"Mass shootings and other deadly rampages have become far too common in American society," said Wauwautosa Mayor Kathy Ehley.

According to the United States Conference of Mayors, there have been 250 mass shootings so far this year.

It’s happened in our area. In 2012, seven people were killed at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin shooting in Oak Creek. Then just last year, a gunman shot four people at an office in Middleton.

“We are the ones that are most often there, we’re in town...and we see firsthand the carnage, we see firsthand the tragedy," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "The broken hearts occur when you’ve got these tragedies. We know there’s a role for the legislature and the governor to play.”

The letter has not been discussed with Evers and the Legislature, yet.

The league admits it will take patience and persistence to make a difference, but they have to start somewhere.