Wisconsin Lawmaker Faces Allegations After Threatening Colleagues

A political dispute in Wisconsin has escalated after allegations surfaced that state Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez threatened to kill three fellow Democratic lawmakers. The accusation, made by Democratic leadership, follows Ortiz-Velez’s departure from the Democratic caucus, which she characterized as a result of “poorly worded hyperbole.”

The controversy erupted publicly when Democratic leaders issued a statement on September 30, 2023, indicating that Ortiz-Velez had made a comment about shooting three caucus members with whom she had disagreements. This statement came shortly after Ortiz-Velez announced her exit from the caucus, with reports from Wisconsin Right Now and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel confirming her departure.

In response to the allegations, Ortiz-Velez denied any intent to threaten her colleagues. She explained in interviews that her remarks were taken out of context. “I have endured years of ‘unacceptable, very vicious, vile and cruel’ treatment from members of my caucus,” she told reporters, insisting that her comments were misinterpreted.

Internal Conflict and Public Statements

Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Greta Neubauer and Assistant Minority Leader Kalan Haywood, expressed their concern regarding Ortiz-Velez’s words, especially in light of recent violence against public figures. They referred the issue to the Legislature’s human resources office and reported it to the Capitol Police.

Ortiz-Velez claimed that she was barred from entering the state Capitol building on September 27, 2023, but her access was restored the following day after intervention from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. A spokesperson for Vos stated that Ortiz-Velez should not have been prohibited from the Capitol.

In a series of emails shared with the Legislature, Ortiz-Velez expressed frustration over a resolution authored by Representative Priscilla Prado honoring Hispanic veterans, a topic close to her heart as her late husband was a Hispanic veteran. Ortiz-Velez accused Prado of dishonesty in her email, stating, “Your envy is so apparent! Everyone sees what you have done here!! It’s sick!”

When approached for comment about the allegations, Prado seemed reluctant to engage, noting there were “various” targets without clarifying further.

Political Implications

Despite her departure from the caucus, Ortiz-Velez stated that she intends to remain a Democrat, emphasizing that this decision would not shift the balance of power in the Assembly, where Republicans hold a majority with a 54-45 seat advantage.

As tensions continue to rise, Vos plans to initiate a floor session on October 5, 2023, which will include a vote on a resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month. Interestingly, Prado has authored a similar resolution, but Vos has chosen not to include it in the agenda.

This unfolding situation highlights the deep divisions within the Wisconsin Democratic Party and raises concerns about the conduct of lawmakers amid heightened political tensions. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and public response to these allegations may significantly impact future legislative dynamics in the state.