Will Pritzker Own Up to His Irresponsible Rhetoric?


Written by David E. Smith

In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s horrific public execution, Governor JB Pritzker issued condolences to the Kirk family. He then pivoted to the broader issue of political violence, warning that it is “ratcheting up in this country.” Pointing to recent political killings in Minnesota, he insisted, “It’s got to stop, and I think there are people who are fomenting it in this country.” Of course, Pritzker ultimately laid the blame at the feet of President Donald Trump, saying:

I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it. We’ve seen the January 6th rioters who clearly have tripped a new era of political violence, and the president, what did he do? He pardoned them. I mean, what kind of signal does that send to people who want to perpetrate political violence? Not a good one.

There are two very major problems with his statement.

Earlier this year, Governor JB Pritzker stood before New Hampshire Democrats and openly called for “mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption,” insisting that Republicans “cannot know a moment of peace.” These weren’t the words of a statesman seeking unity. They were the marching orders of a political agitator. (You can read his words in context: or watch the entire 30 minute speech HERE.)

As I’ve pointed out before, Pritzker didn’t encourage Democrats to sharpen their message, develop reasonable public policies, or nominate candidates with common sense. Instead, he demanded chaos. He stoked division. He poured gasoline on the fire of political hostility. And now, in the wake of a political assassination of a conservative hero, he pretends to be shocked.

Will Pritzker own his role in fomenting political violence? I hardly think so.

Even more brazen is his outrage that President Trump pardoned the January 6 political prisoners — condemning it as “the wrong message.” His actions speak louder than his words. This governor proudly signed the SAFE-T Act in 2021, effectively eliminating cash bail and unleashing criminals back onto the streets. Dangerous offenders — including those accused of kidnapping and second-degree murder — now walk free under his watch, while ordinary citizens live in fear.

And that’s not all. Pritzker and his Democrat allies have neutered law enforcement. Theft under $500? A slap on the wrist. Sanctuary State policies? The Democrat majorities in the Illinois General Assembly have passed laws that mandate blatant defiance of federal law, prohibiting cooperation with immigration agents who seek to deport murderers and rapists while handcuffing the police, thereby protecting criminal illegal aliens over the safety of Illinois families.

Will Pritzker own up to sending “the wrong message” to illegal immigrants, criminals and their victims? I’m not holding my breath. The real message his policies send is this — criminals and lawbreakers are protected, while law-abiding, hardworking citizens are abandoned to live in fear. It should be no surprise that the exodus in Illinois continues.

The Case is Clear

Gov. Pritzker tells Democrats to “disrupt” and deny Republicans “a moment of peace.” He pours fuel on the fire, then feigns horror when the flames rage out of control. The very flames that he has helped to produce. He condemns Trump’s pardons as sending “the wrong message,” yet his own signature policies unleash criminals, weaken law enforcement, and endanger Illinois families.

This isn’t leadership. It’s hypocrisy. It’s projection. It’s blaming others for the very chaos his words and laws encourage. And it’s shameful.

The verdict? Pritzker cannot be trusted to protect peace, justice, or the people he swore to serve. His record speaks louder than his rhetoric and the clear message is devastating — criminals are empowered, citizens are abandoned, and political opponents are treated as enemies to be silenced.

So, when he points his finger at others, remember — three fingers point back at him.

These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look, A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
~Proverbs 6:16-19~


Read the IFI memorial article in tribute to Charlie Kirk HERE.