Chicago City Wire

Mike Quigley, a U.S. Congressman representing Illinois’ 5th district, recently shared his views on police violence and the need for reform through a series of tweets. His comments focus on historical and ongoing issues with law enforcement in Black communities, emphasizing the necessity for systemic changes.

In a tweet dated October 20, 2024, Quigley highlighted the tragic death of Laquan McDonald, noting that it is "part of a long history of Black men being senselessly killed by police officers." He included Laquan’s name alongside other victims such as Trayvon Martin and George Floyd, stating that there are "too many more" similar cases. The original tweet can be found here.

Quigley criticized the Chicago Police Department's lack of progress in complying with a Justice Department consent decree. On October 20, 2024, he tweeted about this issue: "after ten years, it is simply unacceptable that the Chicago Police Department has achieved only seven percent compliance." He expressed that Chicago residents deserve better policing standards. The tweet is accessible here.

On the same day, Quigley addressed broader concerns regarding safety for Black individuals in everyday activities. He stated that "going for a jog, a walk, a drive, or simply existing in your own home should never be a death sentence." He called for transformative changes to government and law enforcement systems to address these issues effectively. This statement can be viewed here.