Illinois lawmakers push for additional security funds for cultural, religious organizations after couple shot in Washington, DC
Share and Follow

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — State lawmakers are pushing for additional non-profit security grant program funding that has aided cultural and religious institutions across Illinois after the deadly Washington, D.C. attack that killed two Israeli embassy workers this week.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s “non-profit security grant program” has been awarding funds to organizations since at least 2023 to support “active shooter trainings, the purchase and installation of security equipment… and the hiring of contracted security personnel.”

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

Lawmakers say the funding is crucial.

“I could tick off dozens of examples about the religious institutions that have been targeted, the museums, the shootings outside of our places of worship,” Illinois 58th District state Rep. Bob Morgan said. “These are all happening, and they will continue to happen, and we need to make sure our places of worship, our cultural institutions, are safe.”

One such example was the shooting of a Jewish man outside of a West Rogers Park synagogue back in October last year.

And this week, two Israeli embassy staff members — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim – were fatally shot outside of the Capital Jewish Museum.

In Illinois, for the 2026 proposed state budget, lawmakers shared their concerns with the I-Team that only $2 million is allocated for the non-profit security grant program. In 2023, the program was allocated $20 million.

“I’m hopeful that we can find money beyond the $2 million, but, again, it is a difficult time here in Springfield,” Morgan said. “I can’t tell you where that’s going to land.”

But late Friday, the governor’s office told the ABC 7 I-Team that the program currently has more than $40 million available for eligible recipients, and that more money is expected to be awarded, if the proposed budget passes.

A spokesperson for IEMA said the program is currently accepting applications for security grants through July 1.

Morgan said he hopes that more than $2 million will be allocated in the future budget.

“We are certainly talking about this more over the last few days because of the shooting, but this is something we’ve been looking at and working on for the entire session,” Morgan told the I-Team. “And it’s not just the Jewish community. This is the Black community, the Muslim community. We are all aware and hyper-aware of the risks to our institutions.”

Meanwhile, the investigation into the Washington, D.C. double murder continues. Prosecutors have said they are investigating it as a hate crime and terrorist act.

ABC7 chief legal analyst Gil Soffer said any terrorism charges would be a high bar to prove.

“The government would have to show some connection, some nexus, to a terrorist organization,” Soffer said. “If there were evidence that he was acting in support of Hamas, for example, then you could see that kind of charge.”

Soffer said the killings this week show why security grant funding for non-profit organizations is vital.

“Unfortunately, this is only the most recent lesson of how vital it is,” Soffer said. “It’s critical to provide support.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bipartisan support picks up for a natural disaster review board

Support from both political parties grows for a committee to review natural disasters

As Texans seek answers about the Hill Country floods, some top meteorologists…
Scotty McCreery mourns grandmothers Janet and Paquita, who died on the same day

Scotty McCreery Shares Heartbreak Over Losing Both Grandmothers on the Same Day

The singer shared fond memories of his grandmothers and asked fans to…
Looking for a job? An AI recruiter might interview you next

Considering a job search? Be prepared for an interview with an AI recruiter

Wafa Shafiq, a 26-year-old Canadian marketing professional and lifestyle influencer, has been…
Chicago White Sox unveil statue of ace pitcher Mark Buehrle at Rate Field for 2005 World Series championship reunion weekend

Chicago White Sox reveal sculpture of star pitcher Mark Buehrle at Rate Field for 2005 World Series celebration weekend

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox unveiled a statue of former ace…
Brother, sister killed; parents injured in New Mexico flooding identified

Identifying Family Members Involved in New Mexico Flooding Tragedy

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A brother and sister, who were killed in…
Food banks say SNAP cuts will harm Illinois families, economy

SNAP reductions anticipated to negatively impact Illinois families and economy, warn food banks

CHICAGO (WGN) Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans are bracing for cuts to…
Randy Moss speaks on 'emotional roller coaster' while battling cancer

Randy Moss shares about the ups and downs of dealing with cancer.

One of the greatest wide receivers in the history of the NFL…
Trump calls Butler widow, Secret Service agrees to meeting after call for accountability

Trump calls Butler widow, Secret Service agrees to meeting after call for accountability

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The widow of Trump…