Governor <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/j-b-pritzker" target="_blank" rel="noopener">J.B. Pritzker</a> (D-IL) rejected the notion that <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">businesses</a> are fleeing his state because of violent <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/crime" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crime</a> and insisted that his efforts to improve public safety are working.
The official discussed the dismal condition of <a href="http://dailywire.com/topic/chicago" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago</a> in an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox2NzknMeO4&amp;t=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> with CNBC during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. When CNBC anchor Andrew Ross Sorkin mentioned that his outlet routinely hears from business leaders who want to flee the city, Pritzker dismissed the concerns.
“That’s not what we’re hearing. In fact, you saw that Kellogg moved to Chicago just recently, so just another example of corporate headquarters coming to Illinois,” he responded. “We’re doing a lot to attract businesses and retain businesses.”
Large businesses such as construction manufacturer Caterpillar and aerospace firm Boeing have nevertheless <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/enough-is-enough-business-owner-explains-why-he-finally-left-chicago" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exited</a> Illinois in the past year. Investment firm Citadel likewise moved its headquarters from the Windy City to Miami, Florida, under the leadership of chief executive Ken Griffin, who was formerly the richest man in Illinois and one of the state’s most prolific philanthropists. The entrepreneur is also a prominent Republican campaign donor and unsuccessfully <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/billionaire-moved-to-florida-because-of-crime-in-chicago-now-hes-giving-100-million-to-elect-conservatives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">attempted</a> to unseat Pritzker during the most recent midterm elections.
“We had one business that left, Citadel, because frankly they lost a political election trying to unseat me, wanted to get out, and made it an excuse that we have a high crime rate,” he added.
Griffin began purchasing property in the Sunshine State last year after <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/wealthiest-man-in-illinois-moves-his-business-from-chicago-to-miami-amid-feud-with-democratic-leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">voicing concerns</a> about the lackluster business climate and rising violent crime. He indicated during a recent <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/illinois-former-wealthiest-man-reveals-the-breaking-points-that-prompted-his-move-to-florida" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interview</a> that a breaking point occurred for him after the violent assault of two separate colleagues: one was robbed after a person put “a gun to his head” during a coffee run, and another was attacked by “some random lunatic just trying to punch him in the head” while he was waiting for a car.
A source familiar with Citadel&#8217;s decision to leave Chicago confirmed with The Daily Wire that the move was unrelated to the election and was rather spurred by the company&#8217;s difficulty with attracting talent due to elevated crime rates.
Sorkin noted that McDonald&#8217;s CEO Chris Kempczinski represents another prominent executive who has voiced concerns about the effects of crime on business. Pritzker responded that “crime prevention dollars” and a recent assault weapons ban have started to decrease violence. “Crime is coming down gradually in the city and across the state. It’s going to take a little while,” he said. “These things don’t come down immediately. But it’s getting better.”
CNBC anchor Joe Kernen pressed the official on whether moves to eliminate cash bail are a factor behind higher crime rates. Pritzker replied that the policy “doesn’t mean you’re just letting the jail doors open” and doubled down after Sorkin noted that an employee of Goldman Sachs was recently killed on the subway in New York City by a criminal released under a similar policy.
“Violent criminals shouldn’t be let out on bail,” Pritzker continued. “But when you’ve got somebody who committed a nonviolent offense and frankly would be kept in jail for months because they just don’t have a few hundred dollars, that’s not a justice system. That’s injustice.”
Kernen noted that Illinois has also failed to prevent crime such as organized retail theft, under which dozens of individuals cooperate to overwhelm security and <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/interest-groups-make-push-to-battle-organized-retail-crime-at-the-federal-level" target="_blank" rel="noopener">empty the shelves</a> of a store. “It’s the serious criminals that are committing the violent crimes,” Pritzker insisted. “It’s not people who are committing shoplifting who are going out and stabbing and killing people.”

JB Pritzker

‘That’s Not What We’re Hearing’: Illinois Governor Denies Businesses Are Fleeing Chicago

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker Denies Businesses Are Fleeing Chicago

Business

Chicago

Crime

Illinois

J.B. Pritzker

Several <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/illinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Illinois</a> sheriff’s departments said Wednesday they would refuse to comply with Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker&#8217;s new gun law signed this week, which immediately bans the manufacture or possession of dozens of rapid-fire rifles, pistols, .50-caliber guns, and some attachments.
Pritzker signed the &#8220;<a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=10200SB2226ham003&amp;GA=102&amp;LegID=134879&amp;SessionId=110&amp;SpecSess=0&amp;DocTypeId=SB&amp;DocNum=2226&amp;GAID=16&amp;Session=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Protect Illinois Communities Act</a>&#8221; into law during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Springfield earlier this week, hours after House Democrats secured the final passage and less than a day after Senate Democrats approved the measure.
&#8220;I&#8217;m signing this legislation tonight so it can take immediate effect,&#8221; Pritzker said in a press conference, local media <a href="https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/illinois/sheriffs-departments-eastern-illinois-wont-enforce-new-assault-weapons-ban/63-241519b3-30df-4527-b273-6fe8dafa70ec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
Many Republican lawmakers opposed the legislation, saying it would do nothing to prevent crime and counters rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court involving Second Amendment rights, and lawyers have signaled that the new law would severely restrict the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in Illinois.
County sheriff&#8217;s departments responded to the new law, assuring residents that deputies would not enforce such measures, including forcing Illinois residents who already own firearms to register them with the state.
In his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0AYzhooZnDbKWE4J43D1dAXHmMm8Zh6giiLxqDQsfpX3u9gJJxRKCrThVbXADVwrVl&amp;id=100064564724339" target="_blank" rel="noopener">letter</a>, Greene County Sheriff Rob McMillen wrote that he would follow his &#8220;morals, beliefs, and obligations concerning protecting the rights&#8221; of the county citizens.
&#8220;These types of laws put law enforcement officers and prosecutors in a very precarious box, with us having to decide to not enforce laws that were passed by government bodies,&#8221; McMillen wrote. &#8220;But, as your Greene County Sheriff, I cannot sit back and let laws that strip Greene County citizens of their constitutional rights, and not take a stance supporting the citizens against a government that wants to trample on their rights.&#8221;
The law allows owners of newly-banned firearms to keep the devices on their private properties.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=549526590550453&amp;set=a.257868226382959" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clinton County Sheriff Dan Travous</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064538088313" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=472623891724176&amp;set=a.155436610109574" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing</a> made similar statements, saying that their departments would not conduct any investigations or arrests pertaining to the law, sharing the same belief that citizens have an inalienable right by the people of this country to keep and bear arms for &#8220;defense, liberty, and property.&#8221;
Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor and Madison County State&#8217;s Attorney Tom Haine shared a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=556489873188755" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> noting that authorities expect the law to face legal challenges and &#8220;trust that this legislative overreach will not stand.&#8221;
&#8220;In the meantime, we remain focused on reducing violent crime,&#8221; the letter reads. &#8220;Therefore, pending further direction by the courts, the Madison County Sheriff&#8217;s Office will not expend its limited resources to check whether otherwise law-abiding gun owners have registered their weapons with the State, nor will the Madison County Sheriff&#8217;s Office be arresting or housing otherwise law-abiding individuals solely due to non-compliance with [the law].&#8221;
Pritzker threatened the employment of state law enforcement if authorities refused to follow the new law during the Tuesday press conference.
&#8220;The reality is that the state police is responsible for enforcement, as are all law enforcement, all across the state,&#8221; Pritzker said. &#8220;And they will, in fact, do their job or they won&#8217;t be in their job.&#8221;
Devore Law Office announced that the firm has partnered with other legal professionals to take action against Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for passing the new gun law.
Attorney Thomas Devore told The Daily Wire the firm has two separate lawsuits in the works to defend the citizens of Illinois against this unconstitutional law.
DeVore argues that the state court and Illinois legislator &#8220;continues to blatantly disregard the three readings requirement of the constitution and the supreme court needs to finally stop it.&#8221;
&#8220;The law has serious equal protection problems wherein it allows members of the strong unions in Illinois to retain their rights to purchase and possess ‘assault rifles’ and high capacity magazines,&#8221; Devore said. &#8220;This discrimination against citizens cannot stand.&#8221;
Lawyers argue that the new law is likely to violate recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent concerning Second Amendment rights, adding that banning gun sales and transfers constitutes an overreach they hope the U.S. Supreme Court would not allow to stand.

No Gun Sign

Several Illinois Sheriff’s Departments Refuse To Enforce New State Law Banning Dozens Of Firearms

Gun Laws

Second Amendment

Social Issues

U.S.

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/illinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Illinois</a> Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker signed <a href="https://ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=10200SB2226ham003&amp;GA=102&amp;LegID=134879&amp;SessionId=110&amp;SpecSess=0&amp;DocTypeId=SB&amp;DocNum=2226&amp;GAID=16&amp;Session=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">legislation</a> Tuesday banning the manufacture or possession of dozens of rapid-fire rifles and pistols, .50-caliber guns, and some attachments, which went into effect immediately.
Pritzker signed the &#8220;Protect Illinois Communities Act&#8221; into law during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Springfield hours after House Democrats secured the final passage less than a day after Senate Democrats approved the measure.
&#8220;It&#8217;s been quite a past 24 hours,&#8221; Pritzker said, according to <a href="https://www.wbez.org/stories/pritzker-signs-assault-weapons-ban-lawmakers-shore-up-abortion-rights/28645778-9a71-4b7b-8546-5c73bc7c56aa?utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=npr&amp;utm_term=nprnews&amp;utm_medium=social" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local media</a>. &#8220;Yesterday, I began my second term as governor of the great state of Illinois, and today we made history, becoming the ninth state to institute an assault weapons ban and one of the strongest assault weapons bans in the nation.&#8221;
According to the bill, the law requires Illinoisans who already own such firearms to register them with the state.
Gun makers can only sell firearms to suppliers in other states, and owners of the newly-banned guns in the state can still keep the devices on their private properties.
Illinois residents possessing unregistered firearms listed in the new law could face a misdemeanor charge on the first offense and a felony charge for subsequent offenses.
Pritzker read the names of the seven victims killed at the Highland Park July 4 parade mass shooting, the gunman having used a Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P15 semi-automatic rifle.
The gunman purchased the firearm legally in 2020 despite the alleged killer&#8217;s documented history of threatening and suicidal actions, The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/illinois-strict-gun-laws-failed-to-stop-the-suspected-highland-park-shooter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.
Local media reported that the governor called the mass shooting a tragedy rooted in the fact that &#8220;our state and nation have been held hostage by the NRA and their allies time and time again.&#8221;
Illinois already had some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and gun control groups consistently rank the state high on their lists for gun safety.
Everytown For Gun Safety ranks Illinois sixth in the nation for &#8220;Gun Law Strength.&#8221;
The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a non-profit launched by former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, scores Illinois gun laws an &#8220;A-.&#8221;
Many Republican lawmakers opposed the legislation, saying it would do nothing to prevent crime and counters rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court involving Second Amendment rights.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City, a member of the Republican state House Freedom Caucus, slammed Pritzker and other Democrats for continuing to &#8220;allow our Constitution and our freedoms to be shredded.&#8221;
&#8220;A government unchecked, a government willing to defy our Constitution is a government that is completely out of control,&#8221; Wilhour said, according to <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-legislature-guns-abortion-20230110-zm5rccpkkvf63ofere6lmmepjm-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Chicago Tribune</a>. &#8220;You can sit here and dictate whatever you want today. Maybe the political winds are in your favor here today. But I can tell you that we will not comply and you&#8217;re not going to do a darn thing about it because the law, the Constitution and the founding principles are on our side.&#8221;
Darren Bailey, an outgoing GOP state representative, said in a <a class="multivariate" href="https://twitter.com/DarrenBaileyIL/status/1612604028621316098" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">tweet</a>, &#8220;I&#8217;ll die on my front porch before anyone takes my guns away.&#8221;
&#8220;My message to Springfield: If you want my guns, come get them,&#8221; Bailey said.
A local reporter said Bailey called the actions from lawmakers &#8220;tyrannous.&#8221;
&#8220;You also must know that I and millions of other gun owners in this state will not comply,&#8221; he said, adding he would fight the measure &#8220;in court,” as it violates his Second Amendment rights.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
I’ll die on my front porch before anyone takes my guns away. My message to Springfield: If you want my guns, come get them. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/voidthefoid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#voidthefoid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/secondamendment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#secondamendment</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/twill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#twill</a> <a href="https://t.co/ec2ng6AzPh">https://t.co/ec2ng6AzPh</a> <a href="https://t.co/l4EihJtrfZ">pic.twitter.com/l4EihJtrfZ</a>
&mdash; Darren Bailey (@DarrenBaileyIL) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenBaileyIL/status/1612604028621316098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Tribune noted that two House Republicans sided with Democrats and voted in favor of the bill — outgoing House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs and state Rep. Bradley Stephens of Rosemont.
However, three House Democrats voted against it, which included state Reps. Anthony DeLuca of Chicago Heights, Mitchael Halpin of Rock Island, and Lance Yednock of Ottawa.
Devore Law Office <a href="https://devorelawoffices.com/?fbclid=IwAR3nk1B9str_qwzTGMhIwVC45SCEqPKme9Q83cGstmCVjgVu9moFRzfX_C0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the firm has partnered with other legal professionals to take action against Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for passing the new gun law.
Lawyers write that the new law would &#8220;severely restrict the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in Illinois.&#8221;
&#8220;We plan on bringing a lawsuit in the Illinois state court immediately,&#8221; the firm&#8217;s website reads. &#8220;The state court action will address the unlawful manner of which the general assembly continues to pass laws by playing with procedure. Turning an insurance law into a gun grab at the last second is unacceptable.&#8221;
Lawyers argue that the new law is likely to violate recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent concerning Second Amendment rights, adding that banning gun sales and transfers constitutes an overreach they hope the U.S. Supreme Court would not allow to stand.

Companies And Public Service In Chicago

Illinois Becomes 9th State In Union To Ban Dozens Of Firearms

Guns

The Illinois Supreme Court put a controversial law that would eliminate cash bail for some crimes on hold.
The SAFE-T Act (Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today Act) was set to take effect at 12:01 am on New Year&#8217;s Day, but late Saturday afternoon the court ordered the stay to “maintain consistent pretrial procedures” while the justices prepare to take up the matter. Last Wednesday, a Kankakee County judge ruled that cashless bail was unconstitutional and the policy would not be implemented in the counties that sued to block the measure. Attorney General Kwame Raoul said he would appeal that decision.
“Had the SAFE-T Act gone into effect on January 1, 2023, while litigation is pending, the administration of justice in Illinois would have been uneven, thus harming the citizens of the state,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Kane County State’s Attorney Jaime Mosser <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/supreme-court-halt-safe-t-act/">said</a> in a joint statement.
The counties filed an emergency motion late Friday afternoon to suspend the law pending the resolution of current litigation.
“Only the Supreme Court’s final decision on the merits will be binding on all Illinois courts,” Raoul <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/supreme-court-halt-safe-t-act/">said</a> in a statement. “It is important to note that the order issued today by the court is not a decision on the merits of the constitutionality of the SAFE-T Act, and I appreciate the court’s interest in expediting the appeal. We look forward to mounting a robust defense of the constitutionality of the law and ensuring that it goes into effect across the state.”
The high court has not set a date to hear the appeal.
Democratic state Sen. Elgie R. Sims, Jr., who sponsored the bill, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/prosecutor-rips-democrat-kim-foxx-in-scathing-resignation-letter-zero-confidence-in-leadership">said</a> it is an avenue to “fundamentally change” the criminal justice system in Illinois, describing it as “a big, bold, complex, transformational agenda.”
<a href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/heres-what-to-know-about-illinois-safe-t-act-and-the-new-changes-coming/3011535/">According</a> to NBC 5 Chicago, the SAFE-T Act was authored by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and emerged after George Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police officers in May 2020. It included reforms to law enforcement training, accountability, and the statewide elimination of monetary bail.
Conservatives and Republicans have criticized the law, citing the risks of potentially releasing dangerous criminals back into communities. GOP state Sen. John Curran said Republicans had been “frozen out of the process” and weren’t “allowed an opportunity to participate” in making revisions.
Leftist Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, one of many “reform-minded” prosecutors elected with the support of political action committees <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2020/2/20/21146269/george-soros-kim-foxx-bill-conway-states-attorney">funded</a> by George Soros, helped craft the law. She has <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-kim-foxx-hiring-2022-safet-act-20221025-znhd4fax5rb7bnqfb4s6howiju-story.html">accused</a> other prosecutors who vocally opposed it of taking part in “a misinformation campaign.”

US-NEWS-ILL-COURT-REFORMS-TB

Illinois Supreme Court Puts Controversial Law Eliminating Cash Bail On Hold

Illinois Supreme Court Puts Law Eliminating Cash Bail On Hold

Bail Reform

Courts

Politics

An <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/illinois">Illinois</a>-based taco eatery was flooded with customers after the owner’s daughter made an emotional plea on <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/tiktok">TikTok</a>, telling followers she wanted her mom to have a Christmas miracle.
Isabel Milan uploaded the first <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tacoboutjoys/video/7174662663534808363?is_from_webapp=v1&amp;item_id=7174662663534808363">video</a> on December 8, which included the caption, &#8220;I wish I could give her customers for Christmas.&#8221; The clip showed Milan’s mother sitting at a table in her empty <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/restaurant">restaurant</a> with a text overlay that said, “It breaks my heart to see my mom watching the door every day waiting for a customer to walk in.” 
The video went viral on the social media platform, quickly racking up nearly 44 million views. According to multiple updated videos, business at the little taco place is booming and shows no signs of slowing down.
Taco-Bout-Joy is located in Glenview, Illinois. The restaurant belongs to sisters Joy Milan and Kack Keomanivong, who came to the U.S. as refugees from Laos in the 1980s, per <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/taco-shop-flooded-orders-daughter-video-tiktok-1766329">Newsweek</a>. The siblings had grown up in poverty and like so many small business owners, they were looking to achieve the American dream. They opened their taco joint in October. 
Kack’s daughter Jordyn told the publication that shortly after the video was posted, &#8220;cars flooded in and customers came to visit us to support the restaurant.&#8221;
She went on to say how her cousin Isabel &#8220;didn&#8217;t think much about it&#8221; when she posted the TikTok video, but after a few hours business was absolutely booming.
“Originally Joy and Kack had no idea what was happening,&#8221; Jordyn said. &#8220;It wasn&#8217;t until they got to the restaurant and we explained the situation that they realized.&#8221;
&#8220;We sold over 150 birria tacos alone,&#8221; Jordyn added. &#8220;We ended up selling out of birria, shrimp, guacamole, and sent out relatives to purchase more steak. I would say over 500 tacos were sold alone, not including burritos and tortas.&#8221;
&#8220;Thank you for helping and spreading the word about my mom and aunt&#8217;s restaurant,&#8221; Jordyn told the publication. &#8220;To go out and do something to support your community is very appreciated. Giving the recognition my family deserves is one of the best gifts to ever come from anyone!&#8221;
She further described the outcome as &#8220;a Christmas miracle&#8221; and attributed it to the positive impact social media can have. 
“We’re amazed by the support and we’re just taking it all in,” Isabel shared in an update video post showing the restaurant’s kitchen bustling with activity. “If you found tears in your tacos, I’m sorry,” she added in the caption.

A young woman is eating taco

Taco Place Floods With Orders After Owner’s Daughter Says Her Mom Needs ‘Customers For Christmas’ In Viral TikTok

Taco Place Floods With Orders After Owner's Daughter Says Her Mom Needs 'Customers For Christmas' In Viral TikTok

General

Restaurant

Social Media

TikTok

The father of the man accused of killing seven people and wounding 48 others during a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, was arrested on Friday on charges of felony reckless conduct.
The suspected gunman&#8217;s father is charged with seven counts of felony reckless conduct, according to Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. The Daily Wire is not publishing the names of the suspect or his father in keeping with a policy of depriving alleged mass shooters of undeserved notoriety.
“Parents and guardians are in the best position to decide whether their teenager should have a weapon. They are the first line of defense. In this case, that system failed when (the suspect&#8217;s father) sponsored his son,&#8221; Rinehart said in a <a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/ILLAKE-33de2a4?wgt_ref=ILLAKE_WIDGET_3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>. &#8220;He knew what he knew, and he signed the form anyway.  This was criminally reckless and a contributing cause to the bodily harm suffered by the victims on July 4th.” 
The suspect&#8217;s father turned himself in to law enforcement, the statement also revealed. He was scheduled for a bond hearing on Saturday, where a judge set bond at $50,000, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/16/us/highland-park-shooting-suspect-father-charges/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to</a> CNN.
Bond conditions require the suspected gunman&#8217;s father to surrender his weapons and to refrain from drug and alcohol usage, it added. His next hearing is scheduled for January 12, 2023.
The prosecutors argue that the suspected killer&#8217;s father helped his son obtain a Firearm Owner&#8217;s Identification (FOID) Card, which was only possible for a person under 21 years old with a parent&#8217;s participation in the application process. The charges claim that the father&#8217;s assistance in obtaining the FOID card was a contributing cause to those killed by the shooter during the parade.
Reckless conduct is considered a Class 4 Felony, the statement noted, which could lead to a sentence of up to three years in prison.
The alleged gunman, who was 21 years old at the time of the mass shooting, faces 117 charges in the killing of seven people and wounding dozens of others. His court date is scheduled for January 31, 2023. He confessed to firing more than 80 rounds during the parade, though he later pleaded not guilty.
The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/highland-park-shooting-suspect-who-confessed-to-firing-more-than-80-rounds-pleads-not-guilty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that defense attorney Scott Greenfield explained why someone who confessed in this matter would still plead not guilty.
“The defendant is always told to plead ‘not guilty’ at arraignment in order to allow his lawyer to engage in discovery, motion practice and plea negotiations,” Greenfield said. “It’s entirely normal and reflects nothing about ‘innocence’ per se, but allows the lawyer room to do his job of zealously representing the defendant, no matter how overwhelming the evidence of guilty.”
Despite the suspected gunman having no criminal record before the shootings, he was the focus of two calls from family members in 2019. The first call came in response to a suicide attempt.
The second call came from a family member who said the suspect threatened to “kill everybody.” Police removed 16 knives, one dagger, and one sword from the suspect’s home, the Chicago Sun-Times <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/7/6/23196101/highland-park-mass-shooting-suspect-robert-crimo-iii-ordered-held-without-bond">reported</a>.
Despite the reports, the young man obtained a FOID card with the help of his father at the age of 19, which allowed him to legally own a firearm in Illinois.

Highland Park shooting

Father Of Suspected Highland Park Mass Shooter Arrested For Reckless Conduct

Fourth of July

Mass Shooting

Shooting

Inside the Illinois State Capitol sits a display of several religious exhibits for the holiday season, which includes a Jewish menorah, the Christian nativity scene, and the &#8220;Serpent of Genesis&#8221; from the Satanic Temple, as reported by <a href="https://www.advantagenews.com/news/local/granite-city-news/religious-symbols-from-christians-jews-satanists-on-display-at-illinois-state-capitol/article_3666f872-764c-11ed-8d9f-436236bdd61c.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">local radio media</a>.
Consisting of a leather-bound copy of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus&#8217; &#8220;De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium&#8221; — which translates to &#8220;On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres&#8221; — at the center of the display with handcrafted knitted apples and a 12-foot serpent orbiting the book, the controversial imagery marks the fourth year in a row the state&#8217;s Capitol rotunda in Springfield, Illinois, has showcased displays from the Illinois Satanic Temple.
Minister Adam told <a href="https://dailycaller.com/2022/12/08/illinois-features-satanic-temple-display-alongside-christian-nativity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Caller News Foundation</a> that their display — handcrafted by congregation members that represents the pursuit of forbidden knowledge — revolves around one of the &#8220;most controversial books of its time,&#8221; noting that the book favors a heliocentric model of the universe, which theorizes the earth revolves around the sun — not vice-versa.
The Index of Forbidden Books banned the text for 200 years, but officials from the Satanic Temple told <a href="https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/satanic-temple-dedicates-holiday-display-illinois-capitol-rotunda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patch</a> they believe it still provides a valuable lesson.
But the handmade elements that surround the book, and that were created by Illinois congregation members, carry a similar meaning, officials said.
In 2018, local media <a href="https://www.wcia.com/news/capitol-news/calls-to-remove-satanic-statue-from-capitol/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> one state lawmaker denounced the Satanic Temple, demanding the removal of the satanic statue. However, a sign from the state of Illinois in the rotunda reads, &#8220;because the first floor of the Capitol rotunda is a public place, state officials cannot legally censor the content of speech or displays.&#8221;
&#8220;The State of Illinois is required by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution to allow temporary, public display in the state capitol so long as these displays are not paid for by taxpayer dollars,&#8221; the sign reads, according to <a href="https://abc7chicago.com/satanic-temple-of-illinois-display-baphomet-statue/11370430/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC News</a>.
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Henry Haupt, a spokesman for the Illinois Secretary of State, told <a href="https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/satanic-temple-dedicates-holiday-display-illinois-capitol-rotunda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patch</a> that organizations looking to use space in the Capitol rotunda during special events must submit a form to the Secretary of State Physical Services Department.
The temporary display not paid for by tax dollars must also meet certain public safety requirements established by the secretary of state.
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“Temporary displays of this nature, erected in a public space in the Capitol rotunda, are protected by the First Amendment,&#8221; Haupt said in an email to Patch. &#8220;The U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech, which remains a hallmark and cherished principle of this country.”
</div>
Adam, with Satanic Temple, said the display was &#8220;not in opposition with other religions, but in a show of equality and shared space with other religious viewpoints,&#8221; according to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Speaking with local media, Adam responded to those offended by the display: &#8220;Ok.&#8221;
&#8220;Being offended is something that is more than welcomed for them to be able to do — that is their right,” Adam said. &#8220;But we have every right to be here, and we&#8217;re not going to sanitize that message because someone else is offended by that.”
Beth Rogers, representing the Illinois Prayer Caucus, told Illinois Radio Network during the dedication of the Christian Nativity scene showcasing the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger that the &#8220;little baby in the manger later crushed Satan the serpent&#8217;s head, and the gates of hell will not prevail.&#8221;
Displays in the state Capitol rotunda will remain through January 5.

Road leading toward the state capitol building in Springfield, Illinois.

Satanic Temple Display Near Nativity Scene, Jewish Menorah In Illinois State Capitol Building

Christmas

Jesus Christ

Jewish

Religion

satanic

Congressman <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/republican-rep-adam-kinzinger-backs-democrats-in-key-races/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adam Kinzinger</a> (R-IL) appeared to claim in a Wednesday interview that he had risked — and ultimately gave up — his political career because he stood up and fought against former President <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/been-there-don-that-ny-post-hides-trumps-big-announcement-on-page-26/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donald Trump</a>.
Kinzinger, who announced over the summer that he would not seek re-election in last Tuesday&#8217;s midterms, invoked his time in the military while discussing the issue with former Republican MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace — and argued that if he was going to cast votes that could send soldiers to die, he had to be willing to risk his own career.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Rep. Kinzinger: &quot;If I&#39;m going to ask people to be willing to die for this country&#8230;I have to be willing to give up my career for the same cause&#8230;My oath is not to my district, it&#39;s to the Constitution.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/gqL26mh530">https://t.co/gqL26mh530</a> <a href="https://t.co/tM6p3BVnYj">pic.twitter.com/tM6p3BVnYj</a>
&mdash; MSNBC (@MSNBC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSNBC/status/1593250751991926791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Wallace, who worked in the White House under former President George W. Bush, noted that Trump had crossed her &#8220;red line&#8221; long before he became president in 2016 — and she asked Kinzinger why he believed so many Republicans were still saying he hadn&#8217;t yet crossed theirs.
&#8220;Tribalism,&#8221; Kinzinger said, was the simple answer. &#8220;You know, the second — if one of them says, &#8216;Look, I&#8217;ve had enough of Donald Trump,&#8217; you get kicked out of your tribe. And then I gotta tell you, the other tribe, to the extent it exists, the anti-Trumpers, the Democrats are not going to accept you because, ah, you&#8217;re coming on too late or maybe you still have this one issue I disagree with.&#8221;
Kinzinger went on to suggest that some simply supported Trump in order to get re-elected — or out of cowardice — after which he referenced his transition from the military to Congress. Noting that he returned from Iraq in 2009 and got elected in 2010, he said, &#8220;I remember thinking, if I&#8217;m going to ask people to be willing to die for this country — and obviously I&#8217;m going to have to take votes on that and I have — I have to be willing to give up my career for the same cause.&#8221;
&#8220;My oath is not to my district, it&#8217;s to the Constitution,&#8221; Kinzinger concluded.
But the Illinois congressman did not give up his career in order to defend the Constitution — he was effectively forced out of Congress when Illinois Democrats <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/videos/illinois-may-be-the-worst-democratic-gerrymander-in-the-country/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gerrymandered</a> his district out of existence. Illinois, a reliably blue state, skewed the map even further when they redrew the districts in such a way that Republicans — who held five of the state&#8217;s 17 seats — could only pull off wins in three in 2022.
&#8220;Illinois is the worst gerrymander in the country drawn by Democrats,&#8221; FiveThirtyEight senior elections analyst Nathaniel Rakich wrote.
<a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/house-republican-calls-it-quits-after-approval-of-new-illinois-districts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kinzinger</a> announced that he would not seek reelection just 12 hours after the new map was approved.

House January 6 Committee Holds Public Hearing

Adam Kinzinger Suggests He Risked His Seat To Save Democracy. Democrat Gerrymandering Erased His District.

Kinzinger Suggests He Risked His Seat To Save Democracy. Democrat Gerrymandering Erased His District

Adam Kinzinger

Democrats

Elections

MSNBC

Redistricting

One Illinois county has faced connectivity issues with its computer servers due to an alleged cyber-attack.
The Champaign County Clerk’s Office announced the issue in a statement on Tuesday following reports of voting issues at polling locations.
“The Champaign County Clerk’s Office is aware of connectivity issues and computer server performance being impacted. The Clerk’s Office believes these are due to cyber-attacks on the network and servers,” the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChampaignCountyClerk/posts/pfbid02cRixHtW5v27sbgBZC527P4zY5XyvK12wFrkszxc1xo6AUiGjuqEW9646VhUwScaHl?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVQrppqh8ac7rdan8nR_4WJm-3Tj7cL_NVld5CVK--OqBeBtQR7TRBtGaoZqCRHxoyIYJ6AbSKsybF2PTsc4Pnu7pI7xw7ewkRn1uGpGP9XjRV5yx4g2nHg9kdsdNeKlYei6MtWzYzMMVObox4Dh88JwoIV7WXRMoX9KYIxYE-2RA&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a> read.
The information also revealed that the county clerk’s website has been under repeated cyber-attacks over the past month.
“For the past month the Champaign County Clerk’s website has been the target of repeated D-DOS attacks, fortunately the reinforced security and response from the Clerk’s IT team has prevented these attacks from being successful and the Clerk&#8217;s website has remained secured. No data or information has been compromised and the election is secure,” it added.
The statement noted that the hacking efforts are a “strategic and coordinated effort to undermine and destabilize our democratic process.” The clerk’s office encouraged voters, “Please do not fall victim to this.”
“The Clerk&#8217;s Office is committed to ensuring every eligible voter in Champaign County has access to a fair, free, and accessible election. Please stay in line!” the statement encouraged voters.
A later <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChampaignCountyClerk/posts/pfbid0JsT4VSFdEFNTgi6USeE3Li6zkj6sT6k2qHUGY11ANPQrebqE2FULgsnCt6ZpaRfLl?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZU_uAcdG_NKcvdm0mYSvtHiF6SySl5kXoZkgH10Vx2No2Xdlb389qouKU_oHcedH8F6VPIBTfKqmwGc3q1nc9ygVOWRU56dW522eZoWxSrKEhFonISxZQF-E4db5bM9X0o8zZZvgVm5bZ8Q6zT0jUXQrbpWisSngZ7PiyL2ub3v6g&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R" target="_blank" rel="noopener">update</a> by the office added that any voter in line by 7 p.m. Central Time will be processed regardless of how long it takes to make it through the line.
Illinois also allows eligible voters to register on Election Day. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. with appropriate identification can also register and vote.
The voting machine concerns come as Illinois voters seek to cast their ballots for the state’s governor. Current Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker faces Republican Darren Bailey for the leadership of the state. The most recent <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/governor/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poll</a> by FiveThirtyEight showed Pritzker ahead by 20 points in his reelection effort.
Pritzker has been criticized for his support of increased abortion access as well as high levels of crime in the state. He was also regularly attacked over his harsh pandemic lockdown measures.
The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/illinois-gov-pritzker-billionaire-family-at-forefront-of-radical-gender-ideology-push-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that Pritzker and his powerful family have been at the forefront of pushing radical gender ideology in schools and medical facilities.
In the Senate, incumbent Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth faces Republican candidate Kathy Salvi. Duckworth led by 18 points in the latest FiveThirtyEight <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/senate/2022/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poll</a>.
Champaign County also selects its House member for the 13th District. Democratic candidate Nikki Budzinski faces Republican Regan Deering in the district that covers parts of 14 counties in the state.

Illinois Capitol Building

Illinois County Computer Server Connectivity Disrupted With Alleged ‘Cyber-Attacks’

2022 Midterms

A <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/chicago" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago</a> resident has been arrested and charged after he allegedly threatened <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/illinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Illinois</a> Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey, promising to skin him alive and then feed his family to him.
Scott Lennox, 21, made the threats on Friday after an ad for Bailey ran on a television in a bar where he was having a drink with some friends, prosecutors said according to the <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2022/11/2/23436894/darren-bailey-voicemail-death-threat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Sun Times</a>. Lennox reportedly became angry after the ad played, sparking an altercation with his friends — after which he called Bailey&#8217;s office in Springfield, IL, to complain further.
Prosecutors revealed some of what Lennox allegedly said in the voicemail:
<blockquote>&#8220;I’m going to skin Darren Bailey alive, making sure he is still alive, and I’m going to feed his f***ing family to him as he is alive and screaming in f***ing pain &#8230; He is a piece of white a** racist s***, and honestly if he doesn’t kill himself, I will. 
You know what? I know where he lives. I know where he sleeps. I know where his kids sleep. And I know the f***ing school he works at &#8230; the candidate teaching all this mother f***ing misinformation is going to die. So honestly he should just kill himself before anything else happens.
So f*** him for being a piece of s*** &#8230; So you know what? I am going to take anything and everything possible. You know what? I am going to make him scream. I am going to make him scream and suffer. Yeah, that’s right. So he better kill himself, and if he doesn’t, I am going to kill him.&#8221;</blockquote>
Prosecutors said Lennox also mentioned abortion in the voicemail, although they were not clear about context. They also said that Lennox admitted to not liking Bailey&#8217;s opponent — incumbent Democrat Illinois Governor <a href="https://dailywire.com/news/illinois-gov-pritzker-billionaire-family-at-forefront-of-radical-gender-ideology-push-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">J. B. Pritzker</a>  — very much either, but said that he hated Bailey more.
A Chicago police report said that Lennox left the voicemail just before 10:30 p.m. local time on Friday, October 28th, the Chicago Sun Times reported. The Illinois Secretary of State Police did not initially take action, dismissing the threat as &#8220;not credible,&#8221; but further investigation led them to reverse course.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Lennox with one felony count each of threatening a public official, telephone harassment or harassment by electronic communications, and the schools associated with Bailey&#8217;s family were placed on soft lockdown. Bail was set at $75,000 for Lennox, who has not yet posted.
Cook County Circuit Court Judge Susana Ortiz also barred Lennox from any further contact with Bailey or any members of his family or staff, ordering him to be electronically monitored as well.
&#8220;This went above and beyond anything that is acceptable, even in the realms of political discourse. It simply will not be tolerated,&#8221; Ortiz said.
Further interviews with Lennox — conducted by police — indicated that the man was not only willing to admit what he had done, but that he was proud of it.
In a series of Snapchat messages that he turned over to law enforcement, Lennox boasted that he was essentially a &#8220;political terrorist&#8221; — and congratulated himself for forcing Bailey and his family into lockdown: &#8220;I feel so f***ing accomplished.&#8221;
Following the <a href="https://abc7chicago.com/darren-bailey-illinois-jb-pritzker-governor-school/12412062/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">initial threat</a>, Bailey raised questions regarding the Secretary of State Police and their initial decision not to pursue the threat as &#8220;credible,&#8221; <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2022/11/2/23436894/darren-bailey-voicemail-death-threat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying</a>, &#8220;Divisive, inflammatory, and misleading rhetoric is driving hatred across our state as some attempt to label political opponents as dangerous threats.&#8221;
Pritzker pushed back, accusing Bailey of attempting to politicize the threat.

US-NEWS-ILLGOV-BAILEY-TB

‘If He Doesn’t Kill Himself, I Will!’: Chicago Man Threatens To Skin Illinois Republican Alive, Feed His Family To Him

Chicago Man Threatens To Skin Illinois Republican Alive, Feed His Family To Him

Death Threats

A gifted 17-year-old singer died suddenly late last week after collapsing on stage at an all-state choir event, the family says.
Daniel Moshi was performing Friday at the All-State Honors Show Choir for the Illinois American Choral Directors Association at Naperville North High School when he suddenly collapsed.
Daniel&#8217;s mother, Karolin Moshi, <a href="https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/teen-was-singing-solo-when-he-collapsed-died-at-naperville-choir-event-family-says/2971128/">told</a> a local NBC News station that she dropped Daniel off at school that day and nothing seemed off about him.
&#8220;Actually, I stopped by Starbucks right over here, where he grabbed his macchiato drink and his sandwich. I dropped him off. And he was waiting for his teacher to come, you know, come up and pick him up with his other students that were attending this choir show,&#8221; she said. &#8220;He texted me, &#8216;Mom, I&#8217;m here&#8217; at around five o&#8217;clock approximately. I texted him, &#8216;I said everything good?&#8217; I have his text. He said, &#8216;Yep, all good mom.’”
Daniel&#8217;s father, Loden Moshi, told the station that he was the one who got the call that Daniel had collapsed.
&#8220;I got the call from his teacher, musical teacher. And she said there&#8217;s an incident,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That he was singing his solo rehearsal and he collapsed. And now they&#8217;ve given him CPR and taken him to one hospital.&#8221;
Daniel was unconscious when first responders arrived at the school, the report said. When Daniel arrived at the hospital, he was pronounced dead.
Officials are investigating Daniel&#8217;s death and have not released any details on what might have caused it.
“We came home Saturday morning, I received a call from the DuPage coroner’s office and she said, ‘Miss Moshi, I’m reaching out to you to let you know that there was nothing wrong with your son,&#8221; Karolin told the publication. &#8220;His organs were all healthy, his heart — absolutely nothing wrong with him.’”
Daniel&#8217;s father and mother said that they have struggled emotionally since losing their son, but added that their faith has been what has kept them going.
“It’s not easy. We were supposed to buy him a car,&#8221; Daniel&#8217;s father said. &#8220;We’re actually doing his funeral. It’s not easy. It’s not easy for any parent to go through this because we still don’t have answers.”
Daniel&#8217;s sister, Dayna, encouraged people to have fun with their siblings and enjoy the time that they get to share with them because &#8220;if one of them goes away, you feel alone.”
&#8220;This loss impacts our entire Leyden community,&#8221; Leyden High School said in statement. &#8220;Our students and staff are grieving and our focus is on their well being. We encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out to a trusted adult and our Student Services department is available to provide support. We are also asking everyone to look after each other during this difficult time.&#8221;

Daniel Moshi

Talented High School Singer Collapses And Dies On Stage While Performing At All-State Event: Report

Death

High School

Music

Students

Rep. Adam Kinzinger&#8217;s (R-IL) political action committee, Country First, announced Tuesday that it supports multiple Democrats in key November elections.
Kinzinger&#8217;s PAC endorsements also included Republicans and an independent.
&#8220;Now more than ever, it’s critical we elect leaders up and down the ballot who are loyal to the Constitution and willing to be a bulwark for democracy – regardless of their political party affiliation,&#8221; Kinzinger said in a <a href="https://www.country1st.com/endorsed?utm_campaign=2022_gen_endorse&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=country1st" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>.
&#8220;We must set partisan politics and ideology aside in order to preserve our nation’s democracy and demand accountability in our leaders. I’m proud to endorse this slate of candidates that are ready to put our country and the American people first,&#8221; he added.
The Democrats included Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro, Arizona gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs, and Arizona secretary of state candidate Adrian Fontes. The PAC&#8217;s Democratic endorsements also included secretary of state candidates Cisco Aguilar in Nevada, Jocelyn Benson in Michigan, and Steve Simon in Minnesota.
Two key Republicans included in the PAC&#8217;s endorsements are Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who voted to convict former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial, and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger. One independent, Utah Senate candidate Evan McMullin, was also among the picks on the list of Kinzinger&#8217;s PAC endorsements.
A brief description of the PAC&#8217;s support for each candidate was also included in the announcement. The basis for Raffensperger&#8217;s selection, for example, said, &#8220;As the top election official in Georgia, he overcame tremendous pressure from Donald Trump and his supporters to &#8216;find&#8217; enough votes to declare Trump the winner. Few politicians are willing to risk their careers to do the right thing, which is why it&#8217;s so important to support those, like Brad Raffensperger, who do.&#8221;
In August, Kinzinger said he would back Democrats against Republican candidates he believed were against democracy.
“If you have Republicans that are running against even left-wing Democrats that believe in democracy and believe in voting, that person should be elected over somebody who would basically overthrow the will of the people and, ultimately, destroy this country,&#8221; Kinzinger <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/transcripts/meet-the-press/meet-press-august-28-2022-n1298390" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> on NBC’s “Meet the Press.&#8221;
Kinzinger launched his PAC in January 2021 to promote Republican candidates to combat Trump’s influence over the party. He has also served on the House committee to investigate the events of January 6, 2021, participating along with just one other Republican in the group, Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney.
After the Illinois state legislature approved a new congressional map that changed Kinzinger&#8217;s district, he announced his retirement from Congress following the current term. He served as one of ten House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after January 6.

Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger Backs Democrats In Key Races

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