Southern Illinois News

Blaine Wilhour, a state representative from Illinois, has criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker for allegedly prioritizing political disputes over the protection of law enforcement and public safety in Chicago. Wilhour made this statement on the social media platform X.

"Gov. Pritzker is more concerned about fighting President Trump than he is protecting law enforcement and actual citizens," said Blaine Jacob Wilhour. "Pathetic. Law and Order in Chicago now!"

According to ABC7 Chicago, tensions between federal agents and local police escalated in October 2025 in Broadview and Chicago following incidents involving tear gas deployment during large protests. Governor Pritzker's office said that federal agents might have breached federal restrictions on chemical munitions, labeling these actions as "unacceptable" and calling for accountability. This incident further strained relations between Illinois officials and federal agencies regarding enforcement practices.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office reported that from 2016 to 2024, there were 3,821 prosecutions for "Aggravated Battery—Police Officer" in Cook County, with an 85% conviction rate. These statistics, derived from data reported by the Chicago Police Department (CPD), underscore the persistent threats and violence faced by law enforcement officers in Illinois.

According to the Council on Criminal Justice, Chicago experienced significant reductions in violent crime in early 2025. Aggravated assaults decreased by 16%, robberies by 35%, gun assaults by 27%, and carjackings by 51% compared to 2024. The report noted that Chicago's crime reduction rates surpassed those of other major cities, indicating a broader trend towards improved urban safety.

Wilhour represents Illinois’ 110th House District as a Republican and serves on multiple committees within the state's 104th General Assembly. His official biography describes him as a farmer, business owner, former Fayette County Board member, and veteran of the Illinois Army National Guard. His policy initiatives often emphasize public safety and local governance.