A former judge in the US state of Wisconsin was assassinated on Friday by a man authorities say had more victims in mind, such as the state’s governor, Tony Evers, or Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

“It appears to be related to the judicial system,” Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said of the case during a news conference.

Although the investigation is still underway, the authorities do not believe that there is a risk to the people identified as the attacker’s targets, who have already been notified.

The suspect was taken to hospital by police after he was found hiding in the basement of the house where the attack took place, having apparently shot himself.

The slain man has been identified as John Roemer, 68, a former Wisconsin state judge.

He was shot at his home in the small town of New Lisbon, allegedly by the suspect, a 56-year-old man whose identity has not been released.

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