“Gov. JB Pritzker Responds to Reported Arson Attempt at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s Residence: Expresses Concern over Escalating Violence”

Concerns about security are at the forefront of Gov. JB Pritzker’s mind following an incident where a man allegedly firebombed the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion while Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were asleep inside.

A suspect has been charged with attempted murder, arson and terrorism.

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Now, Pritzker is talking about his own security.

Pritzker said he has reached out to Shapiro after learning about the targeted arson attack.

The Illinois governor is decrying the violence, while his security team redoubles their efforts to keep him safe.

Earlier on Monday, Pritzker visited a trade school in Melrose Park, marking his first public appearance since being informed of the attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s residence early Sunday morning.

Pritzker expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating, “The world has regressed to a point where attacks on elected officials are becoming more frequent. They are increasingly perilous and fatal, and it is indeed a tragic state of affairs.”

Pritzker and Shapiro are both Jewish and both considered potential Democratic presidential contenders in 2028.

Hours before the suspect tossed Molotov cocktails into Shapiro’s home, he had hosted a Jewish Passover Seder dinner.

“I don’t know if it was related to the attack, but I can say that antisemitism has been on the rise across the United States for several years now,” Pritzker said.

Outside Pritzker’s Gold Coast mansion Monday, there were two unmarked SUVs. The governor would not say if his security detail will make any changes or if additional security measures will be put into place at the governor’s mansion in Springfield.

“I can’t say specifically the kinds of security measures that they’ll take that are new and different. What I can say is that there is heightened sensitivity to the idea of an invasion by people of those grounds,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker also noted that on Sunday he and the first lady came downtown to walk around, trusting his security detail to protect them.

“You can’t block yourself off from, you know, being around everyday life and bringing people on the streets, in my view. But my team is careful to make sure that I’m safe in the process, my life is safe,” Pritzker said.

Illinois State Police handle security for the governor.

They said in a statement, “The Illinois State Police is constantly assessing security measures and adjusting to the most current threats to ensure the safety of the Governor and the First Family.”