Rep. Sheehan Criticizes Pritzker, Johnson Over Refusal of Federal Help Amid Chicago Violence (Homer Glen, IL) – State Rep. Patrick Sheehan sharply criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Tuesday after the governor rejected federal assistance to address a surge in gun violence over Labor Day weekend.
At least 58 people were shot and eight killed in Chicago during the four-day stretch, including a 17-year-old girl struck inside her home, a 31-year-old bystander caught in crossfire, and seven people wounded in a single drive-by in Bronzeville.
“Clearly, eight dead and 58 people shot is NOT an acceptable public safety policy,” Sheehan said in a statement. “It’s tone deaf and extremely dangerous.”
Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump reiterated his pledge to send federal support to Chicago, saying swift action was needed. Pritzker pushed back, insisting no federal troops were necessary and that no coordination had occurred with his office.
Sheehan, a Republican who represents the 37th District, disagreed. He called for immediate cooperation with federal authorities and accused state and city leaders of downplaying the crisis.
“Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson engaged in a lot of double-talk today,” Sheehan said. “They attempted to affirm their commitment to public safety, but where was the funding for police recruitment and retention in the FY26 budget? Nowhere to be seen. Blaming guns instead of their catch-and-release policies.”
Sheehan said public safety should not be treated as a partisan issue. “Every Illinoisan deserves to feel safe in their own homes and neighborhoods, and right now, that fundamental right is being ignored,” he said.
Rep. Sheehan Criticizes Pritzker, Johnson Over Refusal of Federal Help Amid Chicago Violence
