Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Monday condemned reports that the White House is preparing to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, calling the move “unprecedented, unwarranted and unconstitutional.” In a news conference flanked by city, state and community leaders, Pritzker said no federal or military officials had consulted his office or local authorities and insisted, “Mr. President, do not come to Chicago—you are neither wanted here nor needed here.” Pritzker argued the city faces no emergency that would justify federal troops and accused President Donald Trump of seeking a political spectacle in a Democratic-run city. He pointed to falling crime, noting murders are down 32 percent and shootings 37 percent from a year ago, and said Chicago’s civilian police and violence-prevention programs are addressing public-safety concerns without military assistance. Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed the governor, stating that the National Guard “is not needed” and warning the administration could face legal challenges if it proceeds. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to confirm operational details, saying the department routinely drafts contingency plans. Illinois officials said they are prepared to contest any deployment in court, arguing the president lacks authority to station Guard units in the city without the governor’s consent.
Gov JB Pritzker: Trump Wants To Stop Crime For Theatrics "There is not an emergency in the city of Chicago. There is nothing that calls for having troops on the streets of the city of Chicago....it is important to recognize that the president of the United States is doing this https://t.co/uR7xfRy201
“We do not want troops on the streets of the city of Chicago” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks out against the potential deployment of the National Guard in Chicago at a press conference this afternoon https://t.co/BswftooSqe
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker delivered a strong rebuke of President Trump’s potential deployment of the military to Chicago during a news conference on Monday. https://t.co/O5csY95f5B https://t.co/UJ8eam4THW