Scott Walker: “Cop Killer Ben Sanders Should Never Walk our Streets Again”

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Joins Milwaukee Police Association in Calling For End to Early Release, Receives MPA Endorsement

Wauwatosa – Scott Walker, Milwaukee County executive and candidate for governor, today joined members of the Milwaukee Police Association and families of Charles Smith and Gerald Hempe – two Milwaukee polices officers who were killed in the line of duty – in opposing the release of Ben Sanders.  Inmate Sanders was given two life sentences for shooting the police officers in the head in 1973, and his parole hearing for early release is scheduled for next week.

During the event, Walker was also endorsed by the Milwaukee Police Association for his longstanding opposition to early release and his commitment to public safety.

“It’s unacceptable that a dangerous murderer who killed two Milwaukee Police Officers may be released from prison,” said Walker.  “Out of respect to the families of Officer Smith and Officer Hempe who have joined us today, as well as for the safety of our communities, I strongly urge all citizens to join us in asking the Early Release Review Commission to deny Ben Sanders early parole.  We should never be considering Ben Sander’s parole in the first place, and as governor, I will immediately end early release so criminals like cop killer Ben Sanders will never walk our streets again.”

“Ben Sanders murdered one of our own, and we won’t sit silently while the Early Release Review Commission decides his fate,” said MPA president Michael V. Crivello.  “We are proud to join Scott Walker, the families who were victimized by Ben Sanders, and all victims of violent crimes in calling for the end of early release and calling for Ben Sanders to remain behind bars.”

In 1973, Ben Sanders murdered two Milwaukee police officers in the line of duty.  He shot Police Officer Charles Smith and Police Officer Gerald Hempe in the head without any opportunity for them to defend themselves.  Mr. Sanders was then given two life sentences to ensure he would never again be a danger to society.  His parole hearing begins next week.

At the conclusion of the press conference, Walker also received the endorsement of the Milwaukee Police Association.  Walker is the coauthor of the Truth in Sentencing legislation, and has been vocal throughout his career in opposing early release.  ??Officer Robert Hempe, the brother of Gerald Hempe, and Jennifer Starker, the widow of Charles Smith were also in attendance at the event.  ??The MPA, Scott Walker, and the families of the victims encourage the community to sign a petition in opposition to Ben Sanders release.  The petition can be found here: http://bit.ly/earlyrelease