Gov. JB Pritzker reacts to alleged fire attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro mansion: 'The world has devolved'
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Security concerns are top of mind Monday for Gov. JB Pritzker, after a man allegedly firebombed the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion, while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping inside.

A suspect has been charged with attempted murder, arson and terrorism.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Now, Pritzker is talking about his own security.

Pritzker said he has reached out to Shapiro after learning about the targeted arson attack.

The Illinois governor is decrying the violence, while his security team redoubles their efforts to keep him safe.

Pritzker toured a trade school in Melrose Park earlier Monday. It was his first public event since learning about the attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion early Sunday morning.

“The world has devolved, where attacks on elected officials are happening more frequently. They’re more dangerous and deadly, and it’s a sad situation, frankly, that that’s happening,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker and Shapiro are both Jewish and both considered potential Democratic presidential contenders in 2028.

Hours before the suspect tossed Molotov cocktails into Shapiro’s home, he had hosted a Jewish Passover Seder dinner.

“I don’t know if it was related to the attack, but I can say that antisemitism has been on the rise across the United States for several years now,” Pritzker said.

Outside Pritzker’s Gold Coast mansion Monday, there were two unmarked SUVs. The governor would not say if his security detail will make any changes or if additional security measures will be put into place at the governor’s mansion in Springfield.

“I can’t say specifically the kinds of security measures that they’ll take that are new and different. What I can say is that there is heightened sensitivity to the idea of an invasion by people of those grounds,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker also noted that on Sunday he and the first lady came downtown to walk around, trusting his security detail to protect them.

“You can’t block yourself off from, you know, being around everyday life and bringing people on the streets, in my view. But my team is careful to make sure that I’m safe in the process, my life is safe,” Pritzker said.

Illinois State Police handle security for the governor.

They said in a statement, “The Illinois State Police is constantly assessing security measures and adjusting to the most current threats to ensure the safety of the Governor and the First Family.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bondi terror suspects' red light district bolthole in Philippines

Philippines Hideout in Red Light District Linked to Bondi Terror Suspects

The father and son implicated in the Bondi Beach massacre reportedly spent…
Gif of suspect in NYC antisemitic attack

Urgent Manhunt in NYC: Suspect Sought for Antisemitic Attack on Jewish Man

Authorities in New York City are actively searching for a suspect involved…
Dick Van Dyke devastated by murder of pal Rob Reiner

Beloved Star Dick Van Dyke Mourns the Tragic Loss of Friend Rob Reiner

Dick Van Dyke is heartbroken over the loss of his dear friends,…
ICE rejects 'Squad' Rep. Omar claim son was pulled over by feds, pressed for citizenship proof

ICE Refutes Rep. Omar’s Allegation of Son’s Traffic Stop and Citizenship Inquiry

The leader of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has firmly dismissed a…
Dramatic bodycam video captures moment suspected kidnapper is arrested after 40 years on the run

Captured After Four Decades: Bodycam Footage Reveals Arrest of Long-Sought Kidnapping Suspect

Body camera footage captures the dramatic arrest of a woman in Florida,…
The full story of the Reiner murders is so much more unbearable

Unveiling the Haunting Truth: The Disturbing Details Behind the Reiner Murders

The tragic events surrounding the Reiner family have sent shockwaves through Hollywood,…
Trump to send checks to military as war looms with Venezuela

Trump Announces Military Financial Support Amid Rising Tensions with Venezuela

Donald Trump has unveiled a $1,776 ‘warrior dividend’ initiative aimed at rewarding…
Nick Reiner hires high-profile defense attorney after arrest for parents' murder

Nick Reiner, Son of Filmmaker Rob Reiner, Makes First Court Appearance in Connection with Parents’ Murder Case

On Tuesday, Nick Reiner faced charges for the murder of his parents,…