Aurora, IL Mayor John Laesch under fire after social media post seeming to encourage residents to set off fireworks in city
Share this @internewscast.com

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — A social media post by Aurora’s mayor is setting off a firestorm.

Mayor John Laesch warned people that his city will fine anyone who uses illegal fireworks on the Fourth of July.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

But then, he went on to suggest that people should use them on July 3, instead.

That’s not sitting well with other public officials in Aurora.

The mayor on Tuesday defended his actions.

In addition to state law, Aurora has a city ordinance banning fireworks.

The mayor says he strongly supports that ordinance.

July 4th, 2025 Fireworks: List of shows in Chicago, suburbs, NW Indiana

But some critics say he’s sending a completely different message on social media.

Laesch distributed tags and talked to people Tuesday, warning them that fireworks are illegal, both by state law and city ordinance.

Anyone who fires them off in Aurora could be fined up to $1,000.

However, a video set for release by the city on Wednesday appears to contradict a post on the mayor’s Facebook page advising people to ignite them outside of downtown.

“When you’re instructing people that it’s acceptable to break a state law and handing them a schedule on when to do it, it’s just astonishing. It’s almost beyond belief that anyone would express that,” stated 5th Ward Alderman Carl Franco.

The mayor urges residents to join the city-sponsored fireworks event, yet part of his message appears contradictory, suggesting “If you have already purchased fireworks, I recommend using them on July 3rd when the police are preoccupied with managing traffic from the city-endorsed fireworks display.”

Dan Hoffman is a retired Aurora police commander.

“What was posted was illegal, immoral and denigrates the integrity of the police department the mayor is supposed to run,” Hoffman said.

The mayor, who took office earlier this year, says he wants people to comply with the law.

“Hopefully nobody violates the ordinance. I’m a realist. I’ve lived in Aurora a long time,” Laesch said.

Alderman Franco disagrees.

“This is a state law. So, I don’t know how you can violate that. It’s really mind-boggling,” Franco said.

The mayor says he intends to be out with police on the Fourth of July, helping enforce the ordinance banning fireworks.

But some critics say the law may now be hard to enforce.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A Trump supporter wearing an inflatable costume is attacked in moving gif

Shocking Video: Man in Inflatable Trump Costume Assaulted at ‘No Kings’ Protest in Blue State

A man from Massachusetts has been officially charged after reportedly attacking a…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Vermont Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Middlebury College Student

Authorities in Vermont have initiated an extensive search for a missing senior…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
FBI releases new surveillance video of suspect who placed pipe bombs near DNC, RNC offices in DC

FBI Unveils New Footage of Suspect Linked to Pipe Bombs Near DNC and RNC Offices

In a renewed effort to solve one of the lingering mysteries from…
Sonya Massey trial: Opening statements begin in trial of former Illinois Deputy Dean Grayson, accused of murder

High-Profile Illinois Trial Begins: Former Deputy Dean Grayson Faces Murder Charges

In Peoria, Illinois, the trial of Sean Grayson commenced on Wednesday with…
Artist Ben Wahhh of Deluxe Tattoo started Ink Relief Program with Salt and Light Coalition to help domestic violence survivors

Empowering Survivors: Ben Wahhh’s Ink Relief Program Transforms Lives Through Art and Healing

CHICAGO (WLS) — As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October,…
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…
Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike

Tragic Loss: Young Humpback Whale Falls Victim to Suspected Propeller Accident off New Jersey Coast

A young humpback whale, found stranded near Long Beach Island, New Jersey,…
Five Points businesses recovering after break-ins

Five Points Businesses Rebound Following Recent Break-Ins

Pattaya Thai is among several businesses in Five Points grappling with the…
Wyoming Capitol bomb investigators focus on men seen in security video

Investigators Zero In on Individuals Captured in Security Footage in Wyoming Capitol Bomb Probe

Investigators in Wyoming are on the hunt for two individuals suspected of…
Bodycam video shows New York police officers rescue choking 10-month-old baby in Corona, Queens

Watch: Heroic NYPD Officers Save Choking Infant in Queens with Quick Response

In Corona, Queens, a 10-month-old infant’s life was saved by the quick…
Vladimir Kramnik: Former world chess champion may face discipline for treatment of Daniel Naroditsky

Controversy Strikes: Vladimir Kramnik’s Conduct Under Scrutiny in Daniel Naroditsky Dispute

On Wednesday, the global chess governing authority announced it is contemplating disciplinary…