Pritzker, GOP Spar After Protestors Block O'Hare Traffic
Traffic arrives at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
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After a group of anti-Israel protestors blocked traffic on Interstate 190 entering O’Hare International Airport Monday, Governor JB Pritzker is being criticized by Republicans for what they perceive as a “soft” response.
The protestors forced dozens of travelers to walk along the interstate into O’Hare to make their flights. The City Department of Aviation said the protest caused travelers to be “substantially delayed.”
40 protestors were eventually arrested.
Governor Pritzker was asked about the protest at an unrelated event Monday morning.
“I support the idea that people should express their First Amendment rights and protest if they would like to. I do not think that they should be disruptive of the traffic, of people trying to get from one place to another,” Pritzker said. “I think they can have their voices heard and let people move along their day. I’m convinced law enforcement oughta make sure those byways and highways are open for people and still be respectful of those protests.”
Republicans, of course, were critical of Pritzker’s response.
“I am disappointed by the Governor's response,” said Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva). “We do not have to be respectful of protestors who break the law. The Governor should act swiftly and justly, sending the State Police to physically remove these individuals."
Ugaste said in a release Monday he plans to file legislation creating stiffer penalties for protestors who block traffic.
“It’s time to criminalize this activity and bring greater charges to those committing these acts, especially when putting others in harm’s way,” he said. “Our first responders cannot be delayed in this manner.”
One Democrat legislator we spoke to Monday called Ugaste’s comments “fear porn” and a “clear violation of the First Amendment.”
