CHICAGO – In response to a City of Chicago request, Governor J.B. Pritzker activated 375 Illinois National Guard soldiers for State Active Duty to assist the Chicago Police Department in protecting the City of Chicago and its residents. The Guard will carry out a limited mission to help manage street closures and will not interfere with peaceful protestors exercising their first amendment rights.

Article continues after sponsor message

“At the request of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, I am activating the Illinois National Guard to support the City of Chicago in protecting our communities and keeping people safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is an immensely challenging moment for our city, our state, and our country, one born from decades and centuries of systemic racism. To those peacefully expressing the pain, fear, and rage of this moment, I hear you. Your voices matter. We must address the profound injustices in our society and bring about real and meaningful change.”

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

More like this:

Attorney General Raoul Urges Court To Uphold Block On Unlawful National Guard Deployment In Washington, D.c.
May 27, 2026
Conservation Police Investigating Fatal Boat Crash On Lake Michigan In Chicago
Jun 29, 2026
Attorney General Raoul Issues Statement After U.S. District Court Declares Case Over National Guard Deployment Moot
Apr 20, 2026
Pritzker Says Court Conclusion in Illinois v. Trump Confirms National Guard Deployment Was Illegal
Apr 20, 2026
Alton Ceremony Honors First Public Declaration Of Independence Reading
2 days ago