Lake County Gazette

Martin McLaughlin, House Representative of Illinois, said that state leaders should prioritize public safety and questioned the Democrat party's stance on National Guard deployment. The statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Public safety is a right not a privilege," said Mclaughlin. "Pritzker and Johnson welcomed National Guard during the DNC convention last summer. Why are they a threat today? Prioritize public safety over pontificating politicians hiding behind podiums."

In 2024, Illinois officials debated the role of the National Guard in public safety as Chicago prepared for the Democratic National Convention (DNC), where security concerns focused on protests and crowd control. According to ABC7 Chicago, about 150–250 Guard members were placed on standby, though primary responsibility rested with Chicago police and the Secret Service. The decision sparked discussion about balancing security and civil liberties.

Chicago crime statistics for 2024 showed notable declines, with homicides down 8% compared to 2023, shooting incidents falling 7%, and shooting victims down 4%. Robberies also dropped late in the year, contributing to overall reductions in violent crime. These improvements provided context for public safety debates, according to the Chicago Police Department’s "2024 in Review."

Illinois’ use of the National Guard during the 2024 DNC was relatively limited compared to other states’ large-scale deployments. Military.com and NBC Chicago reported that roughly 150–250 Guard troops were put on standby in Chicago, while Wisconsin mobilized about 1,700 for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. These contrasts illustrate differing security strategies.

Rep. McLaughlin, a Republican representing Illinois House District 52, was first elected in 2020 and previously served as village president of Barrington Hills. A small businessman specializing in pension management, he has emphasized fiscal reform and pension accountability. He has served on committees including Revenue & Finance and Judiciary-Civil, according to the Illinois General Assembly.