This has been an extremely difficult week for many of us as we process the emotions surrounding the horrific attack carried out by Darrel Brooks in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The tragedy in Waukesha is a direct result of an irresponsible and dysfunctional bail reform system that has been pushed onto the American people in communities across the country recently.

Our correctional system can absolutely be used to successfully rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders. We have seen tremendous success in our state with many of the great programs put in place to help those with a criminal history move forward to become wonderful and productive members of society.

However, each offender’s case must be considered individually and measures need to be taken to protect our communities. In this particular case, a career criminal, Darrell Brooks, circumvented the justice system by means of liberal bail reform, which resulted in his release and allowed him to perpetrate this heinous crime.

In addition to letting Darrell Brooks out of prison last week, Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm has refused to prosecute over 60% of felony cases filed by police and approximately 80% of misdemeanor charges were not pursued by prosecutors this time last year. Steps need to be taken to ensure that each case is handled appropriately and not discarded. We must be vigilant and consider the outcome of sweeping reform, especially in the case of violent offenders.

Tomorrow, as many of us spend time with our families for the Thanksgiving holiday, please take time uplift all those involved and affected by the events in Waukesha in your prayers.