CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Rising local crime was in the spotlight this morning as Republicans members of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee held a hearing in Chicago on Tuesday.
Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) opened the hearing, which took place at the Chicago police union lodge in West Loop. Jordan opened the hearing by citing higher crime statistics and calling Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx a rogue prosecutor.
“Innocent people in Chicago are victimized by a justice system that cares more about political correctness than punishing the criminals,” he said.
Foxx, who is not seeking reelection, told the Sun-Times on Monday that Jordan was coming to Chicago instead of fulfilling his obligations to his constituents as the nation is on the verge of a “Republican sponsored government shutdown.”
“Instead of focusing on the victims of mass shootings caused by weak gun protection laws, including in his own district, he has chosen to be spend his time with John Catanzara — the man who in the immediate aftermath of January 6th, proclaimed it to be simply a protest,” Foxx said in a statement. “This behavior is not surprising, but it is alarming.”
No Democratic representatives attended the meeting.
“We’ve all seen how the radical left has sought to undermine public safety in the name of criminal justice reform,” Jordan said. “The left has implemented pro-criminal policies that has allowed dangerous criminals to remain on the street.”
Retired Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. talked about a shooting that left him partially paralyzed and killed his partner Ella French two years ago. He brought up how the disbanding of specialized units during the Lightfoot Administration has left officers frustrated.
“With all the policies and procedures put into place, officers find themselves with their hands tied behind their back,” he said.
Democrats have blasted the hearing as a political stunt. One of the speakers — another former Chicago police officer — talked Tuesday about how elections have consequences and said Chicago politicians have made toxic policies.
According to crime statistics from the Chicago Police Department, while murder and shooting incidents have declined this year compared with the same time period last year, motor vehicle thefts have risen 86% and robberies are up 24%.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
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