Charlie Kirk death: Illinois lawmakers share security concerns in wake of shooting of Chicago-native Turning Point USA founder
Chicago and Illinois lawmakers say political violence has become the reality. While some are concerned and want more security, others do not plan to change anything.
A security detail provided by the U.S. Capitol Police protects Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. He is assigned protection because Durbin is a ranking member of the U.S Senate. He says while the murder of Charlie Kirk is not going to change the precautions he already takes, the senator is sensitive to the reality of political violence across all political spectrums.
"That is a sad reality," Durbin said. "We got to be careful. We got to be thoughtful, and we got to acknowledge the obvious. There are too many guns. Some of those people use those guns."
RELATED | Suspect arrested, identified in shooting of Charlie Kirk, officials say
Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva doesn't have the luxury of a security detail. Ever since the 2011 shooting of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords at an outdoor constituent event and subsequent other acts of political violence, Villanueva has been concerned for her safety. Her district includes Little Village.
"I am not afraid of my community," Sen. Villanueva. "I am concerned about the threats that come from outside of my community from the white supremacist who call my office or can send hate mail to my office."
Villanueva and Durbin attended a Little Village immigration event. The location was given to members of the media after they RSVP'd. It has become a common security practice of lawmakers to only allow people at events who are invited.
READ MORE | 'Democrat women want to die alone': Charlie Kirk built conservative brand as Chicago-area native
"We did an event last night that we only allowed RSVP people," said Aaron Del Mar (R) Candidate for Illinois Lt. Governor.
Del Mar has bought a bullet proof vest and beefing up security for his run as a Republican candidate for Lt. Governor.
"We're budgeting out for additional security at all of our outdoor events, indoor events," Del Mar said. "We're going to be investing more, not just into bulletproof vests, but it's two wands and two background checks."
At Chicago City Hall, several aldermen have sent a letter asking for safety to be reevaluated, especially on city council meeting days. While the public must go through security to get into the chambers, they are seated close to alders and only about 50 feet from the mayor. There have been several outbursts.
"I don't want us isolated from the people we were elected, but at the same time we should not be left to mercy of the fringe, that they're not going to do something extreme one day," 15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez said.
Ald. Lopez spearheaded the letter signed by 23 alders. Lopez says he has yet to get a response from the Chicago Police Department on whether City Hall security will be reevaluated.
