FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 17, 2024

CHICAGO GOP CHAIR:  JACKSON ACCUSATION AGAINST

CHICAGO FIREFIGHTERS IS “REPREHENSIBLE” 

The Chicago Republican Party is appalled by the video of Rep. Jonathon Jackson (D - IL01), in which he states that Chicago firefighters allow buildings in Black neighborhoods to burn while putting out fires in buildings in neighborhoods on the North Side, plainly referring to White majority neighborhoods. The video has been circulating on social media since the weekend.

“I thought we in Chicago had moved beyond blatant race baiting,” stated  Chicago Republican Chair Steve Boulton.  “But plainly not with Representative Jackson. The fact that Jackson attributed the allegation to a third party meant nothing, since he repeated it. His conduct was reprehensible.” 

Jackson’s comment was not only racist, it was stupid. His stated rationale was that firefighters are angry that Blacks supplanted them in neighborhoods, and so they watch buildings burn. 

“I hope he understands just how badly he insulted Black and White firefighters who risk their lives for the safety of the public every day, just so he could get some cheap applause at an event,” Boulton added. 

Boulton called upon Mayor Johnson, Cook County Board President Preckwinkle and the entire Chicago congressional delegation to disavow Jackson’s accusation.  

There is no question that the Chicago Fire Department needs more Black firefighters, but ridiculous, racist allegations are hardly the way to do it.    

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