Pritzker Downplays Violence Concerns
Gov. JB Pritzker in August. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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During an hour-long “Fireside Chat” with Crain’s Chicago Business Monday, Crain’s Executive Editor Jim Kirk relayed an audience question to Governor JB Pritzker that the person had never felt less safe living in Chicago in 20 years.
With crime and violence at the top of headlines nearly daily in the city, Pritzker demurred.
“Violent crime has actually been coming down for three years, but particularly in the last year,” Pritzker said. “Does it make everybody feel safer to know that? Not yet.”
Pritzker praised new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for having “chosen good people” to lead the Chicago Police Department.
The Governor also returned to a familiar line, blaming his predecessor. He alleged former Governor Bruce Rauner cut “violence intervention programs.”
When asked about crime in Chicago leading up to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Pritzker said Republicans will be the ones playing up crime.
“I think there will be critics, there’s no doubt,” Pritzker said. “Republicans are going to do everything they can to stoke any challenge that we have.”
But, Pritzker promised, the city will be “secure” for the DNC.
