Chicago and Illinois lawmakers acknowledge that political violence has become a grim reality. Following the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, a Chicago-native conservative activist, at a university in Utah, some officials are pushing for increased security measures, while others feel no immediate need for change.
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Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is under the protection of a security detail provided by the U.S. Capitol Police due to his position as a ranking member of the U.S Senate. Despite Charlie Kirk’s murder, Durbin believes that his current safety measures suffice, though he remains aware of the broader threat of political violence.
“That is a sad reality,” Durbin commented. “We have to stay vigilant and mindful, and recognize the evident presence of too many guns, some of which fall into the wrong hands.”
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In contrast, Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva, who represents a district including Little Village, does not have a personal security detail. The 2011 shooting of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, among other incidents, has heightened her concerns for personal safety.
“I’m not fearful of my community,” Sen. Villanueva stated. “What worries me are the external threats, especially from white supremacists who target my office with calls or hateful correspondence.”
Villanueva and Durbin participated in an immigration event in Little Village, where media members received details only upon RSVP. This selective invitation practice has become a standard security measure for legislators.
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“We did an event last night that we only allowed RSVP people,” said Aaron Del Mar (R) Candidate for Illinois Lt. Governor.
Del Mar has bought a bullet proof vest and beefing up security for his run as a Republican candidate for Lt. Governor.
“We’re budgeting out for additional security at all of our outdoor events, indoor events,” Del Mar said. “We’re going to be investing more, not just into bulletproof vests, but it’s two wands and two background checks.”
At Chicago City Hall, several aldermen have sent a letter asking for safety to be reevaluated, especially on city council meeting days. While the public must go through security to get into the chambers, they are seated close to alders and only about 50 feet from the mayor. There have been several outbursts.
“I don’t want us isolated from the people we were elected, but at the same time we should not be left to mercy of the fringe, that they’re not going to do something extreme one day,” 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez said.
Ald. Lopez spearheaded the letter signed by 23 alders. Lopez says he has yet to get a response from the Chicago Police Department on whether City Hall security will be reevaluated.
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