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
Mother Nature steals the show as lightning sets off Florida fireworks display

Mother Nature steals the show as lightning sets off Florida fireworks display

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Independence Day spirits were…
Red state now offers preferred parking for pregnant women

Red state now offers preferred parking for pregnant women

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Florida is days into…
Yankees trade catcher Alex Jackson to Orioles as Austin Wells breaks out of slump

Yankees send Alex Jackson to Orioles as Austin Wells starts performing well after a rough patch

The Yankees traded away another organizational catcher Sunday, shipping Alex Jackson from…
Dalai Lama, a global symbol of Tibetan culture and resistance, turns 90

Tibetan Culture Icon Dalai Lama Celebrates 90th Birthday

DHARAMSHALA, India — The Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday surrounded by…
Collapsed gangway knocks out power at Fernandina Harbor Marina

Port Marina at Fernandina Harbor loses electricity due to fallen gangway.

The gangway collapsed Friday night during a fireworks show, plunging spectators into…
Juan Soto among All-Star Game snubs as Mets send two more to Midsummer Classic

Juan Soto Excluded from All-Star Game, Mets Add Two More Players

The Mets will have three representatives at the All-Star Game. Juan Soto…
Justin Bieber sparks more fan concern as he posts about 'detox'

Justin Bieber causes more worry among fans by sharing a post about ‘detoxification’

Justin Bieber has sparked fan concern once again with another cryptic Instagram post.…
Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Trump administration is…