Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez says the explosion outside his Pilsen home over the weekend was more than a random disturbance — he believes it was a deliberate act of political violence. Not everyone agrees, with some critics suggesting the outspoken 25th Ward alderman is overstating what happened.
The incident cast a shadow over Monday’s City Council committee meeting, where several colleagues offered Sigcho-Lopez support after what he described as a frightening ordeal for his family.
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According to surveillance video, two men were seen early Saturday morning lighting a device outside the alderman’s home.
“That kind of explosion in the middle of the night with families and children in homes is despicable,” Sigcho-Lopez said.
He said the blast shattered one of his windows while his 4-year-old triplets were asleep inside. The Chicago Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Unit is investigating and has classified the case as involving suspected fireworks. Sigcho-Lopez, however, believes the device was more powerful and that the act was intentional.
“I think that they, the kind of explosive that it was used, and this is to me, is an act of political violence, unless they prove me otherwise,” Sigcho-Lopez said.
Sigcho-Lopez says the act was possibly an intimidation tactic for his Democratic socialist views. He is one of the most outspoken members of city council, fighting for issues like a cease fire resolution for Gaza and defunding police.
“I hope that this doesn’t become a pattern, right? I really hope that this is a one off, that somebody was angry and decided to take it off in that way,” said 33rd Ward Ald. Rosanna Rodríguez Sanchez.
Rodríguez Sanchez says she will not be surprised if the police investigation concludes that the incident was an act of political violence. She says, in the past, she has received death threats for speaking up about the same issues Sigcho-Lopez talks about. But others are not convinced.
“People blowing off fireworks is not an act of political violence, retribution, or anything to do with his commentary on daily life,” said 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez.
Lopez is no stranger to violence. He says gang members tried burning his house down and destroying his office. The 15th Ward alderman says the incident in front of Sigcho-Lopez’s corner home comes at the same time thousands of Sigcho-Lopez’s signatures are being challenged for his independent bid for Congress.
“To try to milk this into a political win for himself while he’s running for higher office is really questionable, at best,” Lopez said.
In the meantime, Sigcho-Lopez has not asked for police protection from CPD. He says he has hired his own security instead.
As for his congressional race, the 25th Ward alderman is confident he will have enough signatures to get on the ballot.
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