Gov. Scott Walker has issued an executive order allowing Wisconsin National Guard members to carry weapons while they are on duty.
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“Safety must be our top priority, especially in light of the horrific attack in Chattanooga”, Walker said in a written statement.
The visit follows the order issued Saturday that directs Florida Adjutant Gen. Michael Calhoun to take three immediate actions to protect Florida’s National Guard in the wake of the deadly shooting in Tennessee last week. So far, there have been no reports of threats against any military establishments or centers in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s super PAC and another Walker-aligned group announced Tuesday they had raked in $26.2 million, placing the newly-minted White House candidate in the middle of a pack of well-moneyed contenders. All Guard members get yearly training and certifications in weapons operational security and anti-terrorism measures, including active shooters.
In Madison, a group of veterans had station itself outside a military recruitment center, with the demonstrators saying they were guarding the recruiters.
On Friday Walker called for an end to a ban on service members carrying guns in military recruiting offices. The governor directed Calhoun to relocate about two dozen Guard personnel to nearby armories and to work with police to improve security.
Walker adviser Rick Wiley said Tuesday in a speech organized by the political website Wispolitics.com that Walker’s ability to win the 2012 recall election shows he can bring people together.
“If it could happen in Chattanooga, it could happen here”, said Beduhn, who works as a security guard. “If I could do anything to prevent it then I sure will”.
“Unfortunately, military in this country are to some degree targets”, Goheen said.
“We are trained to handle weapons so it would not be out of the ordinary for those of us who have gone through our basic training to have a firearm”, Rickert said.
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Capt. Jim Stenger, a spokesman for the Marines’ 9th District, said the corps appreciates the support but doesn’t want citizens standing guard at offices.
