Governor JB Pritzker offered condolences to victims and support for the Peoria community Monday following a weekend of gun violence that included an incident that injured 13 people Sunday morning on the Riverfront.
“No one should ever experience the trauma of a shooting, or multiple ones. May that belief fuel our work to bring peace to a state that we all call home,” Pritzker said during an appearance at Manual High School to tout a summer jobs program.
Pritzker also stressed that Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan needs to “step forward” and respond to questions regarding his ties to ComEd bribery charges announced last week.
“People who serve in public office owe a duty of integrity to the people that they serve,” Pritzker said.
A total of four separate shooting incidents over the weekend resulted in 17 victims, including one fatality. On Monday, Police Chief Loren Marion III said the Riverfront shooting occurred during a “roving street party” attended by more than 200 people.
Pritzker noted gatherings that large still should be avoided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Setting aside the tragedy of the shootings, I need to reiterate to people this virus is still here,” he said. “It’s not going to go away soon. We hope there will be a vaccine or a very effective treatment. There isn’t one now.”
He said experts believe groups of more than 50 pose a threat to spreading the virus.
“The best we can do is first of all encourage everybody to do the right thing: wear a mask,” he stressed. “If you are walking anywhere in public, please wear a mask.”
Pritzker said initiatives like the Summer Youth Employment Program can go a long way toward helping reduce violent crime.
“I will continue my mission to make this state a partner in investing in the very things we know reduce violence,” he said. “That means better schools and mental health services. It means violence prevention programs and good jobs and more pathways for young people to access them.”
Declining to say whether he still considers Madigan a political ally, Pritzker called on the Speaker to address the allegations.
“It’s been very important to me that Speaker Madigan step forward and answer the questions,” Pritzker said. “That is something that’s got to get done.”
He said one of his priorities remains getting the state legislature to adopt ethics reforms, particularly in regard to lobbying.
“I don’t think that elected officials should be able to quit their job, turn around and be a lobbyist the next day,” said the governor. “We’ve got to get rid of that revolving door.”
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