AG Blanche Blames Pritzker for Ignoring Help on Chicago Crime Surge

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has taken aim at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing him of turning down federal aid to tackle the recent spike in gun violence in Chicago. This criticism comes in the wake of 37 shootings reported over a two-day span. Blanche pointed to the significant reduction in crime in Washington, D.C., which he attributes to federal intervention. Additionally, he mentioned the FBI’s impressive record in apprehending a Medicare fraudster involved in a $1.2 billion scheme and the recovery of $5 billion in stolen money.

Shifting focus, Blanche also addressed the shooting incident near the FIFA World Cup event in Kansas City, Missouri. He mentioned that the suspect, linked to a freeway shooting, might have died, though the police have not yet confirmed this information. In an interview, Blanche stated that investigators believe they traced the suspect, 22-year-old Oscar Sanchez Muñoz, to his home in Missouri, but the circumstances remain unclear.

“We think he might be at home, but we are still trying to figure out his status,” Blanche added, which raises more questions than answers.

In light of the weekend shooting, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries, the FBI’s Kansas City field office has posted a $25,000 reward for information that could lead to Sanchez Muñoz’s arrest. He is currently deemed “armed and dangerous.” The manhunt, involving multiple agencies, began last week following reports that the suspect fired at various vehicles on Interstate 70.

Blanche expressed urgency, saying, “He has a history of firing shots at different locations, and someone has lost their life. We need to find him.” Meanwhile, representatives from the Kansas City Police Department clarified that there is no confirmation of the suspect’s death as of now.

Looking ahead, Attorney General Blanche indicated that more updates would be available on Monday.