State police at the ready to help Chicago, Pritzker says: 'These killings are just horrific'

Illinois State Police Photo credit WBBM Newsradio

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritkzer said state police resources are available to back up Chicago in times of crisis, but city officials must ask for the help.

Pritzker on Monday said he’s directed the head of the Illinois State Police to reach out to the Chicago Police Department to offer every resource they have.

“We have state police on the front lines available to assist,” he said during an unrelated event, where he faced questions about Chicago violence.

He added that it’s up to Chicago and any other city to request the support.

Pritzker’s comments came after another violent weekend in Chicago, one in which a teen was fatally shot near the city’s famous “Bean” sculpture.

“These killings — particularly of young people, but any sort — are just horrific for everybody that lives in Chicago and everybody that lives in Illinois,” Pritzker said.

He said police “have to get their arms around” the problem of violence.