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Dem socialist running for Wisconsin governor pushed ‘abolishing the police’
A Democratic socialist running for governor in Wisconsin once called to “defund, then abolish,” the police.
Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, in a flurry of posts on social media, called for the end of policing in the wake of the slaying of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake, before and during her time as an elected official.
In one post made in August 2020, first reported by CNN, Hong said, “I support defunding the police as a first step towards abolishing the police.”
“Jacob Blake is fighting for his life, but he shouldn’t have to be,” she said on X, then Twitter. “We must also fight for his life and get justice for all those harmed by state-sanctioned violence.”
Blake was shot seven times in Kenosha, Wis., after police responded to a domestic disturbance call. The incident left him partially paralyzed and sparked a wave of violent protests in 2020.
He had a pocket knife on him that fell from his pocket in the altercation, which he picked up before being shot.
Hong again weighed in on the issue, this time as an elected official in October 2021 in response to federal prosecutors’ decision to not file charges against Officer Rusten Sheskey, who shot Blake over a year prior.
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“How is 7 bullets in the back not excessive force,” Hong said online. “Police exist to uphold white supremacy. Defund then abolish. Reform can’t be an option. My heart breaks for the trauma the Blake family and their community continues to endure.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Hong appeared to backtrack from the posts, but didn’t say whether as governor she would move to defund and abolish the police.
“There is no way I want to cut resources for public safety,” Hong said. “I don’t like crime. I don’t like unsafe streets. I also don’t like when a member of law enforcement abuses their power.”
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“Everyone deserves the resources they need to be safe, including housing, good-paying jobs, mental health supports and community resources,” she continued. “As governor, I will look at every part of the state and work with local leaders to shape solutions that address our immediate needs.”
Hong, who is endorsed by Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., is one of several candidates in a crowded primary for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin. Primary Election Day is still a ways away on Aug. 11, and Hong is locked in a tight battle with former Lieutenant Governor and 2022 Democratic nominee for Senate Mandela Barnes.
The winner of their primary will likely square off against Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., a member of the House Freedom Caucus and front-runner in his bid for the Republican nomination. Tiffany, in a statement to Fox News Digital, took a shot at both candidates.
“This is what today’s Democrat Party has become,” Tiffany said. “Whether it’s Francesca Hong doubling down on abolishing the police or Mandela Barnes calling to empty prisons while pushing to end cash bail, they are both far-left radicals who care more about protecting criminals than the innocent people harmed by their crimes.”
Tiffany’s campaign directed Fox News Digital to older posts from Barnes, too, where he pushed to “cut the prison population in half,” and legislation he introduced a decade ago to end cashless bail.
Fox News Digital reached out to Barnes’ campaign for comment but did not immediately hear back.
More than 25 years after it debuted as one of Universal Orlando’s most iconic themed lands, the Lost Continent is beginning a phased closure at Islands of Adventure.
Demolition work has started inside the aging land. Footage from a local station’s news helicopter showed an excavator positioned next to a pile of rubble, according to multiple reports.
“In the coming months, venues and experiences within Lost Continent will permanently close in phases to make way for a new themed area,” a Universal Orlando spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
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“This will include the closure of Mythos Restaurant in 2027,” a statement also noted.
The Lost Continent opened with Islands of Adventure in 1999, helping to define the park’s early identity with mythology-inspired architecture, towering stone facades and elaborate storytelling rooted in ancient legends.
For years, it served as one of the resort’s most atmospheric lands, blending fantasy adventure, cutting-edge effects and live entertainment, according to Universal Orlando.
The area was also home to several fan-favorite attractions.
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The Dueling Dragons roller coasters — later re-themed as Dragon Challenge after the arrival of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — were among the resort’s most iconic thrill rides.
They were famous for their intertwined layouts, synchronized dispatches and near-miss elements, per Universal Orlando and Wizarding World history pages.
Poseidon’s Fury was another signature attraction, drawing crowds with dramatic water tunnel effects, bursts of fire and live actors.
But over the last 15 years, Universal has steadily chipped away at the land.
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In 2010, the Dueling Dragons coasters were re-themed as Dragon Challenge as part of the neighboring Wizarding World of Harry Potter expansion, according to Universal Orlando.
That attraction ultimately closed in 2017 to make way for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, now one of the resort’s most popular rides.
The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad, a stunt-heavy live show, said goodbye in 2018.
Poseidon’s Fury closed in 2023, according to Universal Orlando’s retired attractions page.
Mythos Restaurant is expected to remain open through 2027 as part of Universal’s phased closure plan, according to the company press release.
“Universal Orlando Resort is continuing its unprecedented momentum as it prepares for a slate of compelling new guest offerings across the destination, ranging from new themed areas to delicious eateries,” the resort said in a release shared with Fox News Digital.
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Universal announced the resort’s Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida is temporarily closed to prepare for what the company calls a “reimagined experience.”
The updated production “will showcase a mix of classic and modern horror properties along with shockingly fun surprises.“
Hogwarts Castle at Islands of Adventure has seen ongoing maintenance and refurbishment work in recent years, according to Orlando Informer.
Universal Orlando will debut Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in 2027, a high-speed roller coaster based on the blockbuster movies, the press release noted.
The demolition drew mixed reactions from Universal visitors.
“Glad it’s finally happening because it’s needed it. I mean, the two attractions have been closed for 8 years and 3 years,” one Reddit user said.
But many fans were sad to see Lost Continent go.
“Goodbye, Lost Continent, you will always be my favorite show,” said one TikTok user.
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“RIP, Lost Continent. Thank you for everything,” another said.
A third TikTok user chimed in with these words: “The end of an era.”
Piece of theme park history vanishes as Universal demolishes a cherished attraction
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