Chicago is once again making national headlines after a week of brutal violence that has left residents shaken and questions piling up. Two major incidents — a deadly shooting near the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a horrifying public transit attack where a young woman was set on fire — have drawn widespread attention. Yet Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has remained silent, offering no public statement about either case as of this writing.
The first incident took place on Monday morning when a 26-year-old woman was allegedly attacked on a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train. According to police and multiple reports, the suspect, Lawrence Reed, a repeat offender with a lengthy criminal record, doused the woman in gasoline and set her on fire. Witnesses said Reed allegedly shouted phrases including “burn btch” and “burn alive btch” during the attack. The woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Reed was arrested shortly after and is now facing multiple felony charges.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the incident tragic and requested expedited funding for the city’s public transit system. In his remarks, he described the attack as “an isolated incident” and expressed hope that federal officials would support the city in improving safety measures on public transportation.
Just days before, on Friday evening, violence erupted again — this time near one of the city’s most popular holiday events. After the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Millennium Park, gunfire broke out, leaving one person dead and at least eight others injured, according to CBS News. Authorities said the shooting appeared to involve young people and took place shortly after the ceremony ended.
🚨 BREAKING: More than 300 teens rioted in downtown Chicago last night right after the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Shots rang out, chaos swept through the Loop, and at least 7 people were wounded.
And yet Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson keep insisting… pic.twitter.com/BBPWGK8nZj
— Illinois Review (@IllinoisReview) November 22, 2025
In the aftermath, Mayor Johnson addressed the public, asking parents and community leaders to take a more active role in guiding youth, especially when large gatherings are planned. “We need parents, guardians, and other responsible adults to do their best to accompany young people to large, unsanctioned gatherings where weapons are likely present,” he said.
Chicago is not fine. Illinois is not fine. Under JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson’s do-nothing leadership, crime continues to spiral out of control. pic.twitter.com/jUHGtswsf6
— IL Republican Party (@ILGOP) November 22, 2025
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump weighed in over the weekend, offering federal help and sharply criticizing both the mayor and the governor. In a Truth Social post on Saturday, the president said, “The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!” He continued, “Governor Pritzker and the low IQ Mayor of Chicago are refusing Federal Government help for a situation that could be quickly remedied.”
President Trump has repeatedly offered to send in the National Guard to help restore order to the city. In a previous post from September, he said, “Pritzker needs help badly, just doesn’t know it yet. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again.”
Despite the national attention and the president’s direct offers of assistance, Governor Pritzker has yet to issue any public comment regarding the recent violence. According to The Daily Wire, the governor did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
These incidents come at a time when Chicago is already facing pressure over rising crime, especially in areas considered safe or family-friendly. While city officials point to long-term strategies and call for community support, many residents are asking what’s being done now to protect the public in real time.
As of now, there is no word on whether the governor plans to accept federal help or change course on law enforcement strategies. But with the holiday season underway and large public events continuing, the spotlight on Chicago — and on state and local leadership — isn’t going away anytime soon.
