Tom Barrett's Son Robbed at Gunpoint

Things have not gone well for Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in the past few days.

First, the people of Wisconsin voted for Scott Walker to be their next governor rather than him.

Then, just four days after that defeat, Barrett's 18-year-old son, Tommy, was robbed at gunpoint.

From WISN:

According to the officials, Tommy Barrett, the Mayor's oldest son, was walking with friends Saturday night near 54th and Vliet streets when they were robbed.

It happened not far from the mayor's home and just blocks from the headquarters of the Police Department's special Neighborhood Task Force unit.

Police referred all calls to the mayor's office, who said two men approached the group with a gun.

The men took a wallet, money and cell phone from someone in the group but nothing from Tommy Barrett.

Jodie Tabak, the mayor's spokeswoman released a statement.

"The mayor and his wife are grateful their son and his friends were not injured during the incident. They're hopeful the ongoing investigation will lead to an arrest of the suspects," the statement said.

Milwaukee police were looking for the armed robbers.

They have not released descriptions.

Thankfully, no one was injured or killed during the robbery.

It must have been a horrible experience for Tommy Barrett and his friends. It must have been frightening for their parents as well. Even though all are OK, it still must be scary to think the crime could have turned deadly.

Barrett and his family are not immune to violent crime. You'd think Barrett's brushes with disaster would impact the urgency with which he fights crime and poverty in the city.

The fact is Milwaukee ranks as the fourth poorest city in the nation.

It can be a dangerous place.

I wonder if Barrett, his wife, and kids want to move out of the city. I would.