This Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee was invited to gather in Chicago, to discuss the city’s alarming rise in crime. This gathering is called “Victims of Violent Crimes in Chicago.” The main focus of the meeting intended to discuss and share views on the policies of, Cook County State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx.
Unfortunately, however, some state officials decided to not attend the hearing. The official hearing was attended only by Republican leaders. Furthermore, recent robberies and crimes were mentioned to demonstrate the out-of-control dangers of Chicago.
Committee Hearing
United States Representative, Jim Jordan spoke at the hearing.
Today’s forum is about our commitment to justice and keeping communities safe. In recent years we’ve all seen how the radical left has sought to undermine public safety. Innocent people in Chicago are victimized by a justice system that cares more about political correctness than punishing criminals.
“For eleven years Chicago has led the country in homicides and it has only gotten worse, under State’s Attorney, Kim Foxx. According to an official report by the Chicago police department, crime in Chicago overall has increased during the last five years by nearly 20%,” Jordan continued.
In this portion of his speech, Jordan expressed the dramatic increase in crime in just these few years. Not to mention, in the following part of his speech he mentioned recent crimes reported in Chicago. For example, he mentioned the fatal shootings which took place on memorial day. Also, Jordan mentioned the people who were killed over Labor Day weekend. Throughout the meeting the officials brought up crime rates and the recent crimes to point the blame on Kim Foxx.
Chicago’s Crime Victim Statement
As a matter of fact, many others aside from Jordan believe that Kim Foxx is worsening the state.
A murder victim and political analyst, Gianno Caldwell was brought in to share his story on the loss of his brother due to violence. Not only that, but to voice out his concerns regarding the ending of cash bail.
Caldwell stated, “Those voices scream out for justice. Many of the elected officials here in Chicago have ignored those voices and it has come at a great price for the people of the city, not just in blood but also in treasure and opportunity. The officials have recklessly ignored the people they were elected to represent. And as a result, bodies mostly black bodies are littered throughout the streets of Chicago.”
Caldwell expressed “The Safety Act which ends cash bail and allows criminals back on the streets to commit more crime. Policies pushed by the Cook County prosecutor and current and previous mayors have proved to be a death sentence. What started off as perhaps a noble cause for criminal justice reforms has become justice for the criminal.”
Kim Foxx Response
Throughout the meeting, the state officials conversed on their disagreement towards democrat’s laws and opinions.
However, republicans failed to mention other sides to their concerns on crime policies. For example, a Chicago police officer who was injured in a shooting resulting in the death of Officer Ella French, stated that “The SAFE-T Act doesn’t live up to it’s beautiful name and actually puts crime victims in danger.” On the other hand, he failed to mention that the bail reform laws allows even people charged with misdemeanor crimes to be detained until trial.
Kim Foxx responded to these claims, calling the hearing a “Political stunt.” Moreover, she stated that this was a “Republican strategy.” Despite the response, republicans say they plan on holding more meetings alike to this one.
Written by Meredith Garcia
Resources
C-span: House Judiciary Committee Hearing on Crime in Chicago
abc7chicago: Judiciary Committee Controlled by House Republicans Hear Testimony on Chicago Crime at Fop HQ
Chicagosuntimes: ‘Is Chicago savable?’ GOP congressional hearing in Chicago marked by partisan attacks, false claims
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Daniel Gillaspia’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
