Madison Reporter

Rep. Bob Donovan, a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing Milwaukee, posted several tweets in mid-July 2025 raising concerns about criminal justice outcomes in Milwaukee County.

On July 15, 2025, Donovan referenced the family of Ben Christensen and suggested there may be new developments in their pursuit of justice: "Ben Christensen's family thought that justice would never be fulfilled for their loved one. That may be changing."

Two days later, on July 17, 2025, Donovan criticized judicial decisions regarding repeat offenders: "You would think that a twice convicted felon for fleeing the police would warrant some jail time? Nope, not in Milwaukee County.

We don’t have to live like this if our judges held people accountable."

Later the same day, he continued his critique by highlighting gun law enforcement: "I would like to point out that this criminal was also a felon possessing a firearm, a Class G felony and punishable for up to 10 years. If we truly care about enforcing gun laws, why don't judges use them? Why should lawmakers make new laws when we barely utilize what we have?"

Donovan’s comments come amid ongoing public debate over crime rates and judicial practices in Milwaukee County. As a state legislator representing part of Milwaukee—a city which has faced persistent concerns about violent crime—Donovan has frequently advocated for stricter enforcement of existing laws and greater accountability within the local judiciary.

Under Wisconsin law, possession of a firearm by a felon is classified as a Class G felony and can result in up to ten years’ imprisonment. Some local officials and community members have called for more consistent application of these statutes in response to repeat offenses.