Former Judge Killed In Wisconsin Home, Part Of Government Hit List

NEW LISBON, WI — A former Juneau County Judge was shot and killed after being tied to a chair in his New Lisbon home Friday morning, according to authorities.

Police found John Roemer secured with zip ties and fatally shot after they received reports of an armed person in the home. Roemer's killing was part of a "hit list" that included Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, according to law enforcement.

Douglas K. Uhde, 56, was found in the basement of Roemer's home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after police attempted to negotiate with him. Uhde is in critical condition at a hospital and has not been charged, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

On Friday, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul called the shooting a "targeted act" and that the gunman had chosen targets who were part of the judicial system.

Police believe Uhde may have been targeting other officials as well and found a list in his car which contained names of elected officials.

Zach Pohl, Whitmer's deputy chief of staff, told the Associated Press her office was notified that Whitmer was on the list.

There is no current threat to the public, authorities said.

Roemer retired in 2017. He was first elected in 2004 and was re-elected in 2010 and 2016. Before his time as county judge, he was an assistant district attorney for Juneau County and an assistant state public defender. He also worked in private practice and served as a lieutenant colonel for the U.S. Army Reserves.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.