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
Student arrested after disrupting Dave Portnoy’s pizza review with antisemitic rant caught on video: police

Student Arrested for Interrupting Dave Portnoy’s Pizza Review with Antisemitic Remarks, Police Report

A former student at Mississippi State University has been charged with disturbing…
Idiot tourists narrowly avoid being gored by bison in Yellowstone

Tourists Have Close Encounter with Bison in Yellowstone National Park

In a nerve-wracking incident at Yellowstone National Park, two tourists had a…
Who was eliminated in week 9? 'Dancing with the Stars' throws epic 20th birthday party, topped off with 4 perfect scores

Dancing with the Stars’ 20th Anniversary Celebrations Culminate in Week 9 Elimination and Four Perfect Scores

The vibrant energy of “Dancing with the Stars” was on full display…
US Catholic bishops select conservative culture warrior OC Archbishop Paul Coakley to lead them during Trump's second term

Archbishop Paul Coakley Chosen to Lead US Catholic Bishops Amidst Conservative Resurgence in Trump’s Second Term

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has chosen Archbishop Paul Coakley of…
Could you see an aurora tonight? NOAA issues Geomagnetic Storm Watch

Tonight’s Sky Spectacle: NOAA Alerts on Potential Aurora Borealis Display Amidst Geomagnetic Storm Watch

Several regions across the United States and Canada are poised to witness…
Surging Knicks dismantle Grizzlies to extend win streak to five games

Dominant Knicks Triumph Over Grizzlies, Celebrate Fifth Consecutive Victory

The Knicks have turned their game into a seamless display of skill.…
Trump 'obesity ban' preventing overweight foreigners from entering US

Trump Administration’s Controversial Policy Sparks Debate: Obesity Ban on Overweight Foreigners Entering US

The State Department under Donald Trump has introduced a new guideline suggesting…
5 MS-13 gang members found guilty in string of gruesome California killings, bodies dumped off cliffs

California Terror: MS-13 Gang Convicted in Chilling Cliffside Murders

On Tuesday, five members of the notorious MS-13 gang were convicted for…