Listeners Respond to a State Senator’s Call for Lawmaker Security

State Senator Chris Kapenga used an opportunity as a TV program guest to discuss concerns about security at the Wisconsin State Capitol. The conversation on WISN’s UpFront followed the shocking shooting deaths of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, her husband, and their dog, along with the attempted assassination of another Minnesota legislator and his spouse. Kapenga’s call for more lawmaker security is being met with some criticism due to the perceived hypocrisy behind his arguments.

The general public, they don’t need to have their weapons in the people’s house… I need to be protected as a public servant.

State Senator Chris Kapenga (R-33)

Kapenga recalled he had already proposed enhanced security measures, including metal detectors, during his time as Senate President. But claims he was unable to secure enough legislative support. 

“We researched security systems. We had one picked out, but we just couldn’t get enough support within the legislature to get that put in place,” Kapenga said during the weekend interview, adding every other state capitol he’s visited has security screenings.

Matenaer on Air hosts, Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach point out the moment they feel the interview took a controversial turn. It happened when Kapenga made a distinction between lawmakers and the general public – using Indiana as an example. He noted that while Indiana legislators can carry firearms into their Capitol, the public cannot. 

“I always have been armed to protect myself,” Kapenga says. “The general public, they don’t need to have their weapons in the people’s house… I need to be protected as a public servant.”

His comments were met with swift condemnation by Matenaer and Bach. They expressed frustration at what they call a self-centered double standard. 

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Wisconsin State Facilities Access Policy: II Conditions

0) Carrying firearms in any State building is a violation of criminal law, Wis. Stats. sec. 941.235, with exceptions for certain persons, including those who hold valid concealed carry licenses.
All persons openly carrying any firearm in any State building will be asked to leave, regardless of licensure.

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“Yes, lawmakers should feel safe,” Matenaer says. “But so should our kids in school, Americans at church, shoppers at grocery stores, people everywhere.”

Callers to the show echoed the outrage, with one listener from New London saying, “How dare you say you are more valuable than my children.” 

Another listener described Kapenga’s remarks as “inward-focused” and “tone deaf.”

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Listen to the full conversation here:

Critics also argue Kapenga’s comments reflect a long-standing Republican reluctance to address gun reform, even as mass shootings continue to plague the country. 

“Every time there’s a mass shooting, there’s outcry for things like red flag laws or background checks,” Bach says. “And we’re always told not to politicize it. But now that lawmakers are feeling directly threatened, suddenly security is a priority.”

And while many agreed the Capitol should have modern security measures, including trained guards and screening technology. But there’s a deep disagreement with Kapenga’s suggestion lawmakers should personally carry guns inside the Capitol while the public cannot, and the hosts wonder if it means lawmakers are more important than everyone else. 

The broader question of how far to go in protecting public officials, especially off the clock, remains open. But as the hosts pointed out, true leadership would mean standing up for everyone’s safety — not just one’s own. 

“If you’re going to call yourself the voice of the people, Mr. Kapenga, then actually listen to the people,” Matenaer says.

Listeners were also encouraged to contact their lawmakers, including Senator Kapenga, to voice their opinions — respectfully but firmly.

 Contact information for Wisconsin State Senate here.

Contact information for Wisconsin State Assembly here.

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