As the 2024 election for Cook County State’s Attorney draws near, Illinois Review reminds readers that we do not endorse candidates. However, it’s critical to inform the public about the dangerous policies proposed by Eileen O’Neill Burke, the Democrat nominee for Cook County State’s Attorney. Burke’s radical plan to create a “First Amendment Prosecution Unit” targets pro-life activists and could have far-reaching consequences for free speech across Illinois. We urge all Illinoisans to become vocal and aware of the dangerous path Burke is pursuing.
Burke’s plan, if implemented, would prioritize prosecuting pro-life activists for exercising their First Amendment rights. Instead of focusing on real crime, such as the rampant shootings and murders that have left over 1,200 people shot and more than 400 dead in Chicago this year alone, Burke’s proposed “Choice Protection Unit”—which more accurately should be called a “First Amendment Prosecution Unit”—seeks to criminalize peaceful protests outside abortion clinics.
Burke’s Republican opponent, Bob Fioretti, offers a stark contrast, vowing to uphold the law as written and crack down on real crime, like the out-of-control shootings and murders plaguing Chicago. At a time when crime in Chicago is at crisis levels, Fioretti’s commitment to prosecuting violent criminals and restoring public safety couldn’t be more urgent. Fioretti understands that the State’s Attorney’s office should focus on keeping the streets safe rather than silencing political opponents.
Burke, however, has made it clear that she plans to use the power of the State’s Attorney’s office to suppress dissenting voices, specifically targeting pro-life activists who protest outside of abortion clinics. By prosecuting individuals for “unlawful picketing,” “noise violations,” and even “terrorism,” Burke’s agenda seeks to chill the free speech rights of anyone who opposes her stance on abortion. This is not only unconstitutional, but it represents a gross misuse of prosecutorial power. Illinoisans should be alarmed at the thought of a State’s Attorney focusing more on silencing peaceful protesters than on prosecuting violent criminals.
Burke’s radical views extend beyond targeting pro-life voices. A year ago, she released a video message reiterating that the SAFE-T Act, including its no-cash bail provision, was “vitally important.” ( https://www.justiceforcookcounty.com/2023/09/15/video-eileen-oneill-burke-on-the-safe-t-act-as-criminal-justice-reform-goes-into-effect-on-monday/). This legislation, which has been widely criticized for allowing violent offenders back on the streets with little accountability, has contributed to Chicago’s crime wave. Burke’s support for this law signals her alignment with policies that embolden lawbreakers while ignoring the safety concerns of Illinois residents.
Even more troubling is Burke’s endorsement from the Safe Suburbs PAC. As Illinois Review previously reported, this PAC was founded by Kevin Coyne, who had long protested against the SAFE-T Act, calling it dangerous and accusing it of emboldening criminals. Yet now, Coyne’s organization has flipped, endorsing Burke despite her support for the very policies he once criticized ( https://www.illinoisreview.com/illinoisreview/2024/06/flip-flop-safe-suburbs-pac-founder-kevin-coyne-endorses-pro-safe-t-act-chicago-democrat-despite-calling-the-law-dangerous-and-emboldening-law-breakers.html). Burke’s support for the SAFE-T Act is proof that her priorities lie not with protecting the safety of Illinois citizens but with advancing a radical political agenda.
Burke’s “First Amendment Prosecution Unit” is a clear attempt to use the power of the law to silence her opponents. While Chicago’s violent crime epidemic rages on, Burke plans to divert resources away from prosecuting real criminals and instead focus on bringing “all possible charges” against peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights. This lawfare approach is meant to intimidate and deter people from voicing their opinions—a chilling precedent for anyone concerned about their right to free speech.
Bob Fioretti, on the other hand, has promised to uphold the law as written and focus on reducing the violent crime that has turned Chicago into one of the most dangerous cities in the country. He understands that the State’s Attorney’s office should be used to protect the public from real threats—not to advance an ideological agenda. Under Fioretti’s leadership, resources would be dedicated to prosecuting violent criminals and keeping communities safe, rather than suppressing free speech. Fioretti’s tough-on-crime stance stands in stark contrast to Burke’s priorities, which favor prosecuting peaceful protesters while real criminals continue to terrorize the streets.
It’s clear that Burke’s agenda would have a lasting and negative impact on all Illinoisans. Her radical policies are not just a threat to Cook County—they could spread throughout the state, setting dangerous precedents for how dissenting voices are treated. If Burke is allowed to implement her “First Amendment Prosecution Unit,” Illinoisans can expect to see their rights to free speech eroded while violent crime continues unchecked.
Illinois Review urges all citizens to become vocal and speak out against these radical proposals. This election is not just about Cook County—it’s about the future of free speech and public safety across Illinois. Do we want a State’s Attorney who will prosecute real criminals and uphold the law, or one who will use the office to silence those who disagree with her political views? The choice is clear.
Burke’s priorities reveal a troubling disregard for the constitutional rights of Illinoisans, while Fioretti promises a return to law and order. The future of free speech and safety in Illinois depends on this crucial election.
