Over the past two weeks, our state has seen yet another disturbing stretch of public safety failures, driven by leaders at the top who continue to embrace anti-police rhetoric and dangerous policies.

Just look at what has happened over the past two weeks:

Last week, in a devastating act of violence, a Loyola University student was tragically shot and killed by an illegal immigrant who had an outstanding arrest warrant. It is yet another deadly consequence of Governor Pritzker’s failed sanctuary and public safety policies.

As a general rule, consumer fireworks are not legal in Illinois. The Pyrotechnic Use Act, passed in 1942, bans the sale, possession and use of all consumer fireworks. While legal to buy in most other states,

firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles are not legal in Illinois. 

Violations of this law can result in large fines or even jail time, especially in cases where the fireworks are bought in from another state and transported across state lines. Illinois is one of only three states to ban all or most consumer fireworks.

State Representative Patrick Windhorst has long advocated for crime victims as Massac County State's Attorney and now as an Illinois legislator. On Thursday, he continued that advocacy by helping to defeat legislation that would have allowed resentencing of murderers and rapists.

House Republican lawmakers held a press conference in the Capitol on March 12, 2025, to discuss the dire state of public safety in Illinois and present their pathway forward, aiming to deliver a state where families can succeed.

In January, Illinois State Representative Patrick Windhorst introduced HB 1478, a bill aimed at protecting children from fentanyl exposure. The legislation would establish two new criminal offenses: Fentanyl-related Child Endangerment and Aggravated Fentanyl-related Child Endangerment.

Each August, more than 175 Illinois communities around the state participate in National Night Out. The program began in 1984 as a way to link Neighborhood Watch and Law Enforcement organizations with residents in their communities. On this night, neighborhoods across the state host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more. It has become an effective way to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities.