’54 Shot, 7 Dead’: JB Pritzker in Sweatpants Faces Reporter on Fatal Labor Day Weekend in Chicago

Gov. Pritzker Addresses Chicago Violence

On Monday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded to the rising violent crime in Chicago, which saw numerous shootings over the weekend. Reports indicate that 54 people were shot and seven were killed during Labor Day weekend.

In an interview with NBC 5 Chicago’s Mary Anne Ahern, Pritzker acknowledged that “there are crimes in big cities,” but shifted focus to the rhetoric of President Trump, suggesting he is unfairly targeting Chicago. Ahearn posed a question about safety, asking if she would invite a friend to visit after dark given the recent events.

Pritzker reiterated his stance, stating, “There’s no doubt about that, but let’s recognize what Trump is doing. He’s targeting Chicago while ignoring red states with even higher crime rates.”

Trump had previously announced on August 22 that he might send the National Guard to Chicago to address the ongoing violence. The city, which reached a 25-year high in murders in 2021, continues to experience higher rates than in the past decade.

Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have continually insisted that crime is decreasing in the city, despite many residents feeling the opposite. They argued against Trump deploying the National Guard, expressing concern that it would negatively impact local jobs and worsen residents’ lives.

During a press conference on August 25, Johnson labeled Trump’s comments about crime rates in Chicago as false and unconstitutional. He emphasized that addressing crime effectively requires more than just increased police presence, advocating for affordable housing and improved mental health services instead.