Five people killed in Molson Coors shooting in Milwaukee

by Rebecca Klar and Justine Coleman - 02/26/20 4:55 PM ET

Five people were killed during a shooting on the Milwaukee campus of Molson Coors on Wednesday, police told reporters during a press conference.

The five victims were all employees of Molson Coors. The 51-year-old suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales told reporters.

“No other individuals were injured,” Morales said. “It’s a terrible day for Milwaukeeans.”

The chief said there is no additional threat at this time. More than 1,000 people were working on location at the time of the shooting, he said.

Mayor Tom Barrett told reporters that there were “multiple fatalities” in a “horrific shooting.”

“It is a horrible, horrible day for the employees here,” he said. “It is a very rough day for anyone who is close to this situation.”

Milwaukee police tweeted around 4 p.m. that it was investigating a “critical incident” and asked residents to stay clear of the area. The department later updated to say there was “no active threat” but “this scene is still active.”

Police also warned that “various sources” are “citing various numbers of casualties,” saying “that information has not been confirmed.”

Update regarding the critical incident that occurred on the 4100 block of West State Street. There is no active threat; however, this scene is still an active.

— Milwaukee Police (@MilwaukeePolice) February 26, 2020

Ald. Russell Stamper, a city politician who represents the district where the shooting took place, said in a statement obtained by The Hill that the “vile and heinous deadly violence … has no place in our society and makes no sense.”

“The cold disregard for human lives and the lack of value for human life that was shown must be categorically denounced across Milwaukee, across Wisconsin and throughout our nation,” Stamper said in a statement.

Molson Coors also released a statement confirming an “active situation” at their Milwaukee facility.

“Our top priority is our employees and we’ll provide updates in conjunction with the police as we are able,” the statement read.

There is an active situation at our Milwaukee facility and we are working closely with the Milwaukee Police Department. Our top priority is our employees and we’ll provide updates in conjunction with the police as we are able.

— Molson Coors Beverage Company (@MolsonCoors) February 26, 2020

President Trump addressed the incident at the start of his press briefing on the coronavirus, saying he wants to “extend my deepest condolences to the victims and families.”

“Earlier today a wicked murderer opened fire at a Molson Coors Brewery Co. plant taking the lives of five people,” Trump said. “Our hearts break for them and their loved ones. We send our condolences.”

Updated: 6:40 p.m.; 7:27 p.m.

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