Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an outdoor speaking engagement at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.
Kirk, a 31-year old husband and father of two, was struck by a single bullet as he was preparing to address a crowd of mostly college students. On Friday, September 12, the FBI announced that they had a suspect in custody.
The fatal shooting comes amid a troubling rise in attacks on political figures, with the most recent tragedy involving the killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were murdered in their home in mid-June. That event followed two assassination attempts against President Trump.
I vehemently oppose any form of political violence and believe it has no place in our political discourse. My heart breaks over this most recent senseless death, and I extend heartfelt condolences to Charlie Kirk’s wife, children, and extended family.
Following his tragic death, I released the following media statement:
“I am heartbroken and sickened to learn of the senseless shooting death of Charlie Kirk. Charlie was a bold voice for conservative values who always sought to engage in thoughtful, measured dialogue, even with those who disagreed with him. At this time of incredible shock and sorrow, my thoughts and fervent prayers are with Charlie’s wife and their young children.
“Such a cowardly and despicable act of deadly violence must be met with firm and decisive justice. Just as I said when a gunman tried to assassinate President Donald Trump, violence has no place in our political discourse. We must come together as a nation to condemn this brutal act and fully support law enforcement as they continue to investigate this horrific crime.”
ICE Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago
Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched a new crackdown on illegal immigration in Chicago known as Operation Midway Blitz. Under the operation, ICE officials are tasked with tracking down violent criminal illegal aliens, including gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers who were set free under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s sanctuary state policies.
In 2021, Governor Pritzker massively expanded the TRUST Act, banning state and local government from working with ICE in almost every situation, drawing sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and tying the hands of law enforcement officers throughout the state.
Governor Pritzker’s actions have put Illinois families at risk time and time again. If Governor Pritzker and Chicago leaders refuse to do their jobs, the federal government has both the right and the duty to act. I support Operation Midway Blitz 100%.
IPASS on Demand Coming to Galena on October 7
As a reminder, I am bringing a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway to Galena City Hall for an IPASS on Demand event on Tuesday, October 7 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Officials from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people transfer over to the new sticker technology and ensure people can make the switch without disruption to their IPASS account activity. Along with providing this service, the tollway officials can help people with questions they may have about their IPASS account and with ‘Pay by Plate’ issues.
Once activated, the sticker tag can be used on the Illinois tollway and on E-Z Pass roadways in other states within 24 hours of activation. There is no deposit required for the sticker and the $10 transponder deposit that was paid when a transponder was purchased will transfer to the new account when it is activated.
Those who plan to attend should bring their plastic transponders inside with them and also make note of their license plate numbers. This will help ensure quick service.
For additional information about this free event, please contact Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
Chesney Joins Colleagues for Tour of Rock City Meat Processing/Butcher Shop
On Friday I joined a few of my legislative colleagues for a tour of Arrow Farm Meats in Rock City. Arrow Farm Meats is a family-owned and operated USDA-inspected butcher shop and meat processing facility that offers a variety of beef, port, and venison products. It is owned by Justin and Laura Earlywine and I sincerely appreciated the invitation to tour the facility and talk about the meat processing industry. Shown with me in the group photo are Justin and Laura Earlywine, Tom Eickman of Eickman’s Processing Company in Seward, Matt King of Main Street Meat Company in Roscoe, Senator Craig Wilcox, and House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.
