"A huge step forward:" Governor Walker issues executive order to arm Wisconsin National Guard

MADISON -- Governor Scott Walker issued an executive order on Tuesday, July 21st allowing Wisconsin National Guard members to carry weapons while on duty. The executive order comes after Mohammad Abdulazeez first shot up a military recruiting center at a Chattanooga strip mall last Thursday, July 16th -- before driving to a Chattanooga Navy operations support center and launched another attack, killing four Marines and a sailor. The gunman died in a gunfight with law enforcement.

In a statement, Governor Walker said the following:

Service members armed with weapons will now be the norm at four National Guard recruiting locations across the state -- including one in Milwaukee.

A Wisconsin National Guard spokesman says the Guard will do what's necessary to protect employees and visitors.

"The event was a tragedy. Anytime we hear that a military service member has lost their life, it affects those of us who serve. Following the executive order from the governor, our adjunct general ordered a review of our security measures at all of our facilities throughout the state. In addition, he ordered that we place security forces personnel at our four storefront recruiting locations throughout the state," Major Paul Rickert with the Wisconsin National Guard said.

Major Rickert says the order allows the guard to make additional changes to its safety procedures.

"At this time, only security forces personnel are authorized to carry weapons, but that may change after the review of the procedures," Major Rickert said.

"It`s a huge step forward. Obviously Governor Walker only has jurisdiction with the Wisconsin National Guard. He doesn't really have a say with the federal military," Cole Sullivan, a veteran said.

Sullivan and three other Marines held semi-automatic rifles outside the Armed Forces Career Center on Tuesday.

"I came here today to offer protection to the recruiters since they are not allowed to protect themselves yet," Sullivan said.

Sullivan and other veterans were rattled by last week's tragedy in Chattanooga.

"First thing thought was if our service members would have been armed, the tragedy may have been averted. I can't guarantee that, but at least they would have had a fighting chance. The way I see it, if it can happen in Chattanooga, it can happen here," Sullivan said.

As an added measure, visitors who come to these locations should be prepared to have their bags searched.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke issued this statement on Governor Walker's executive order:

CLICK HERE to read the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs' statement on this executive order.

CLICK HERE to read Governor Walker's executive order.