Todd Blanche slams Illinois governor for refusing federal help in Chicago
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche highlighted a violent weekend in Chicago, saying eight people were killed and dozens more were shot, while criticizing Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for what he described as a refusal to accept federal help. Blanche pointed to crime-fighting efforts in Washington, D.C., and Memphis as examples of progress, arguing that cooperation between local leaders and federal authorities is essential to curb the bloodshed.
Seven members of one family were shot in Illinois on Sunday, five of them fatally, in an attack officials characterized as a “targeted mass shooting.”
Illinois State Police said during a news briefing that two 16-year-old suspects had been taken into custody in connection with the shootings.
Authorities said charges against the teenagers had not yet been filed.
Authorities said two teenage suspects were detained in connection with the shootings. (Illinois State Police)
Investigators reported gunfire at several locations in East St. Louis, Illinois, including the area of 39th and Summit, the Gompers public housing complex and Jones Park.
Five victims died, and two others were taken to a hospital with serious injuries, police said.
Police reported shootings across multiple locations in East St. Louis, Illinois. (Getty Images)
“I just want to say these alleged acts of horrific violence, taking this number of lives here in this community — it’s terrible, it’s evil, but it will not keep this city down,” police said.
Officials further called the incident a “terrible, terrible act of violence.”
Officials called the incident a “terrible, terrible act of violence.” (Illinois State Police)
Police said there was no known threat to the public.
