WISCONSIN: Tony Evers' Record of Putting Criminals First Caused the Crime Wave
Gov. Evers continues to release criminals and veto Republican bills that address the ongoing crime spree in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) has a long history of championing "progressive" policies that undoubtedly help criminals—but law-abiding Wisconsinites pay the biggest price.
In recent years, the Left has made "justice reform" a buzzword in political discourse, and the harsh effects of ending cash bail, early release for drug users, and reduced sentencing for non-violent felons only assist hardened criminals while ignoring law-abiding Americans. During Gov. Evers' term, he has vetoed numerous tough-on-crime policies, released criminals back on the streets, and fought Republicans tooth and nail to protect criminals—and, to no surprise, crime has skyrocketed in the Badger State.
"Try as he might, Tony Evers can't rewrite his abysmal public safety record of coddling criminals, vilifying law enforcement, and releasing brutal murderers and child rapists back on the streets," said a spokesperson for former gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels (R). "Evers doesn't care about public safety. He cares about getting re-elected."
Between 2019 and 2024, Evers expanded "earned release" and fought against strict sentencing. As a result, more than 2,000 inmates were returned to the streets early. Among those released were individuals convicted of violent crimes—including armed robbery and felony firearm possession.
Approximately 40 percent of the criminals were re-arrested within two years, and at least 274 of them were convicted murderers or attempted murderers, according to Wisconsin Parole Commission data.
Tony Evers promised: "We will not release violent criminals." He lied. The worst of the worst are now walking free in cities like Racine.https://t.co/ae9i0Lq6bd pic.twitter.com/Vu1kAiwIlk
— Michels Research (@MichelsResearch) October 3, 2022
"I think it’s our governor. I think you have a Democrat governor who is soft on crime and who wants to give people chance after chance, and to no good," said Waukesha County Deputy DA Lesli Boese. "We keep seeing those same people reoffending and reoffending, and people wonder why recidivism is up—because there is no accountability."
Alongside policies that promote criminals, Gov. Evers has weaponized his veto pen to block common-sense reforms from Republican legislators. In 2022, he blocked bills that would enhance penalties for riot participation, assign felony charges for vandalizing public monuments, block parole for reoffenders, and make illegal firearm possession a more severe offense.
He also vetoed a bill that would cut aid to cities that decided to defund their police departments.
These vetoes are unsurprising, as they followed the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots where Evers completely failed to protect law-abiding citizens while promoting chaos. Evers both delayed deployment of the National Guard and stoked the fires by saying, "While we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he [George Floyd] is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement."
Between city-owned property damage, private business damage, fire-related damage, and state aid, Evers' failed response cost the state nearly $100 million.
Wisconsin Can't Afford More Criminals
The Left does its best to convince Americans that their policies decrease crime, but time and time again, states under blue leadership see crime rates skyrocket. Under Gov. Evers, Wisconsin is no exception.
Between 2019 and 2023, Wisconsin's crime rate increased by a staggering 14 percent. Murder increased by 43 percent, grand theft auto increased by 27 percent, simple assault increased by 14 percent, and aggravated assault increased by 6 percent.
2022 is set to be a record breaking year for Wisconsin homicides thanks to the radical left’s soft on crime policies and dispiriting, anti-police rhetoric.
— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) September 14, 2022
Don’t let them pull the wool over your eyes.
Democrat policies put Wisconsin communities at risk – plain and simple. pic.twitter.com/2VXtQQQthh
It is impossible for Wisconsinites to see those numbers and not conclude that Gov. Evers' failed policies are the catalyst. After all, he released more than 2,000 inmates, 40 percent reoffended, and 274 were convicted murderers or attempted murderers.
The Badger State deserves leaders who will put law-abiding citizens and families above "social justice" reforms that have been tirelessly disproven.
(READ MORE: Despite Debate Moderators’ Lie, Crime is Up Everywhere—Especially Wisconsin)
