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* July 2008…
With gun violence at a crisis, Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday said he is in talks with Illinois State Police and the Illinois National Guard to see if more police officers can be deployed to the streets of Chicago.
* April 2010…
Two lawmakers who believe violence has become so rampant in Chicago that the Illinois National Guard must be called in to help made a public plea to Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday to deploy troops.
A recent surge in violent crime, including a night last week that saw seven people killed and 18 wounded — mostly by gunfire — prompted the request from Chicago Democratic Reps. John Fritchey and LaShawn Ford. They were joined by Willie Williams, whose son was shot and killed in 2006.
* August 2016…
As Chicago capped off its deadliest month in almost 20 years, Gov. Bruce Rauner on Wednesday ruled out the idea of deploying the National Guard to help combat street violence in the city, saying that to do so would be an “emotional” reaction that “wouldn’t make sense.”
* Today…
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement on the looting, rioting and violence that has occurred in the city of Chicago:
“Once again, Illinois government has failed to protect its residents and businesses. It is time to bring in the National Guard and accept any and all federal assistance to stop the chaos that is destroying our state. No more excuses. No more failures.”
Also today…
The mayor said that she and the governor "believe this is not an incident that requires the National Guard," adding "We're not going to spare resources. If we need them, but we want to make sure that we're proven in the resources that we need." (MORE)
— Lisa Donovan (@byldonovan) August 10, 2020
Yes, the Guard was called out in the wake of the George Floyd protests, but they were kept on the perimeter.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:04 pm
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I don’t like calling in the national guard, but we could use some more resources to keep this unrest from continuing. We still haven’t settled down from May. How about a contingent of state police before asking about the nat’l guard?
Comment by Levois J Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:19 pm
From what I see online when they are called out, they always seem to be just standing around keeping an eye on things…they’re not really trained to be involved in law enforcement. It’s really telling that after weeks of criticizing “Democrat run cities”, this continues to be the only real GOP solution proposed. What do they expect the Guard to do?
Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:21 pm
“How about a contingent of state police before asking about the nat’l guard?”
Because the GOP narrative is to “get tough” on crime, so sending in the military is the best they can offer. Sending in ISP just doesn’t have that PR ring to it.
Comment by NIU Grad Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:22 pm
This is likely really over simplifying the issue, but most mornings on my drive to SPI I see at least one ISP unit parked on I55 running traffic detail.
How about ISP move resources off writing tickets and at least move them to patrol duty where they are most needed.
What about SOS or DNR officers, if this is a crises why not pull out all the stops?
Like I said, probably over simple.
Comment by Give Me A Break Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:28 pm
Until we have national plans to combat institutional racism and poverty, and gun control, at the very least, there will be band-aid solutions. Bring the National Guard out today and get some control, but what about tomorrow?
Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:31 pm
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
I have no idea how to solve this, but obviously, whatever has been happening, isn’t working.
Comment by Bruce (no not him) Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:33 pm
Reading lightfoot response to Durkin about more gun control being needed. What does “gun control” have to do with rioting/looting? Guns seem secondary to the rioting/looting issues of last night.
Comment by Publius Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:38 pm
== What do they expect the Guard to do? ==
Send glaziers. People in the National Guard come from all sorts of occupations and if some are glaziers it should be in their background records.
Comment by All this Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:39 pm
More cops won’t change anything. Lightfoot hasn’t met a single one of the protesters’ demands for change since May. Until that happens, more protesting and looting is inevitable.
Comment by Quibbler Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:40 pm
The looting was itself a response to a police shooting. Sending more police isn’t likely to help. Rethinking police might. Too bad the GOP clings to the same tired narrative.
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:41 pm
==What does “gun control” have to do with rioting/looting? == Why should one problem be dropped because a different problem occurs?
There have been 449 homicides so far this year. Many of them shootings.
Comment by All this Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 12:46 pm
The Governor is Commander in Chief of the Illinois National Guard, so the Guard is not Durkin’s to offer.
Comment by A Jack Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:04 pm
Gun control won’t solve Chicago’s violence. There are plenty of weapons already on the street to buy.
Comment by The Dude Abides Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:04 pm
The ISP put out several hundred sworn employees out on the road for about a week a month or so ago during the initial unrest. That lasted about one week and when the photo/news story went away so did they. Get them out of the office and special assignments and out on the road. For crying out loud the feds, national guard, etc should be a last resort.
Comment by Clueless In Illinois Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:21 pm
Where is Richard J Daley….he wouldn’t stand for this.
Comment by Santa Claus Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:23 pm
I do not get this fascination with the national guard. Is it some kind of 2nd amendment thing, everyone grab your musket and come running. What do they expect them to do? Line up bayonets fixed and clear the street? Throw tear gas and maybe a few shots like Kent State, R ember how well that worked. I agree send in what State Troopers you can, how about Sheriff Tom Dart his population is low can’t he spare some officers, and use Cook County Forest Preserve police and maybe Secretary of State police. I am a conservative policing is a local concern altho prosecutions for felons with guns I am happy to pass off to feds since that is a federal law
Comment by DuPage Saint Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:23 pm
=== It is time to bring in the National Guard and accept any and all federal assistance to stop the chaos that is destroying our state. No more excuses. No more failures.”===
I’m confused, was there looting anywhere outside She-Caw-Go… why the fear for the “whole” state?
I’d hate to think there’s a thought to expanding fear outside where the actual issues exist.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:37 pm
I agree with Durkin. Send a clear message that ruining our magnificent city is not on the table. You don’t have to like it, but what is the alternative, the status quo?
Comment by CubsFan16 Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:40 pm
==Until we have national plans to combat institutional racism and poverty, and gun control, at the very least, there will be band-aid solutions==
Address the economic inequities in the neighborhoods affected by poverty and low school completion — absolutely. But the gun control comment by Lightfoot is the same-old same-old talking point. Really, what national gun-control law would stop Chicago’s level of street violence that Chicago has not already tried. And before anyone says something like a AWB or background checks, remember, if you have an AWB, people will just use other “legal” guns. Background checks are a national requirement. ANd besides, will criminals go through a background check? Get tougher about prosecuting gun offenders (especially repeat offenders), straw purchasing, etc. I liked almost everything LIghtfoot said this morning in her presser, but when she and CPD Super Borwn went on the gun-control topic, I think they went off track. The shooting that instigated these riots was because the suspect shot at police first. I don’t see where their comments fit into an other tightly focused statement about how the actions last night were not part of a protest, but premeditated criminal action that needs to be decisively addressed.
Comment by CJA Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 1:41 pm
This city and state could use a Richard J Daley. Too bad all we have are a bunch of Milquetoasts.
Comment by Hmmmmmmmmm Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 2:07 pm
== institutional racism and poverty, and gun control, ==
Baloney. Poverty and institutional racism has nothing to do with what happened downtown this weekend. This is a social media-based, highly organized crime effort that quickly mobilizes during unrelated events that draw police attention away from Mag Mile. Second time that this has happened - dozens of vehicles all arrive at the same time, they hit multiple luxury stores in a concentrated area, and then vanish before police even arrive. Immediately, social media posts spread the word and encourages copycats under the guise of “protesting police violence”, the looting then spreads to other neighborhoods as the night goes on, continuing to distract the CPD from focusing on the initial hit. Don’t be distracted - these aren’t poor black and brown people, these are very smart criminals.
Lausch promised federal investigative help, he should put them onto the twitter accounts organizing these raids.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 2:07 pm
How long will the business community stand for inaction and/or inability to stop this looting and destruction? These aren’t protestors, these are violent criminals. Businesses, which are the key to a growing community, were still recovering from the last go round of this senseless activity. People don’t want to work or live in violent areas. At some point business moves out, usually after customers leave.
A much stronger law enforcement presence that arrests offenders is a start. You don’t need a greater presence to watch the looters in action. A prosecutor to hold people accountable is also required. Is there the political will to take action? What say you Ms. Mayor and Mr. Governor?
Comment by SSL Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 2:13 pm
“The looting was itself a response to a police shooting. Sending more police isn’t likely to help. Rethinking police might. Too bad the GOP clings to the same tired narrative”
So… suspect shoots at cops.
Cops shoot back…
Looters (in response to x) drive cars and uhuals to mag mile and loot…
Thats not a protest. Its finding an excuse.
Comment by Ron - In Texas Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 2:23 pm
== This city and state could use a Richard J Daley. Too bad all we have are a bunch of Milquetoasts.==
970 homicides during Daley Sr’s tenure in 1974. The highest number ever in the city’s history.
Comment by All this Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 4:20 pm
=== How long will the business community stand for inaction and/or inability to stop this looting and destruction?===
What “inaction?” Police arrested 100 looters last night.
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 4:23 pm
So you are confident it won’t happen again? Okay.
Were you just as confident when it happened a couple of months ago?
Mayor Lightfoot has not protected the city from lawlessness. She blusters about it. She talks real tough. Doesn’t do anything about it though.
Comment by SSL Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 4:48 pm
=== Mayor Lightfoot has not protected the city from lawlessness.===
She sent 400 cops to arrest bad guys. What are you looking for, magic beans?
Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 5:01 pm
==I’m confused, was there looting anywhere outside She-Caw-Go… why the fear for the “whole” state?===
Other cities follow the lead of SheCawGo. Also, it’s an embarrassment to IL cities that enforce laws and don’t let the criminals take them over.
Comment by HighSox Monday, Aug 10, 20 @ 7:45 pm
Rome is burning and the two empresses play the blame game. How about upholding the oath of office you’re swore to ? The law abiding citizens are fed up ya might want to pay attention to that poll, while your watching your retail/convention/tourist and other economys being destroyed.
Comment by NorthsideNoMore Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 12:02 am
“Rome is burning“
Such hyperbole. Some thieves stole stuff, got caught.
“while your watching your retail/convention/tourist and other economys being destroyed.”
That is true. Covid-19 hasn’t allowed these industries to carry on.
Comment by Two to tango Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 5:50 am
== The looting was itself a response to a police shooting.==
I’m not so sure about that. The Sun times put the two incidents together but they never wrote why they believed these things were connected.
Comment by All this Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 6:13 am
== Where is Richard J Daley….he wouldn’t stand for this.==
That’s funny you say that. When Daley became mayor in 1955 there were 300 homicides a year in Chicago. By the time he passed away in 1976, homicides were in the 900ish range. Daley was in office when Chicago homicides were at an all time high of 970, in 1974.
Comment by All this Tuesday, Aug 11, 20 @ 6:27 am