Homer Glen, IL… State Representative Patrick Sheehan, also an active police officer with nearly two decades of experience, has issued a statement following the shooting of two Chicago police officers at Swedish Hospital. The incident left Officer John Bartholomew, 38, dead and a second unnamed officer, a 57-year-old 21-year veteran of the department, fighting for his life.
“This is a devastating loss, and my prayers are with the officers, their families, and the entire law enforcement community,” Rep. Sheehan said. “The SAFE-T Act has created a framework where violent offenders are too often given chance after chance, even when they’ve shown a clear pattern of disregard for the law and the safety of others. This horrendous policy is literally costing people their lives. How many horrific crimes must take place before Illinois Democrats take public safety seriously?”
The suspect in this case had been sentenced for serious offenses, including aggravated battery of a peace officer, yet was released with credit for time served and standard reductions. He was placed on electronic monitoring, given significant daily freedom, and later violated the terms of that release. He missed court appearances, was declared an absconder, and still remained out on the streets.
Illinois’ pretrial system has undergone major changes in recent years under the SAFE-T Act, shifting toward greater reliance on release and supervision. Cases like this force a hard look at how violations are handled and whether meaningful safeguards exist when repeat violent offenders continue to ignore court-ordered conditions.
“At multiple points, there were clear opportunities to act,” Rep. Sheehan added. “Warning signs were there. The system saw them and failed to respond with the urgency this kind of threat demands. Serious charges, repeated violations, missed court dates, and still no sustained detention. That chain of decisions ended with two officers shot, one dead, and another fighting for his life. I will not stop sounding the alarm until public safety becomes a priority of the Illinois Democrats. We cannot let this continue.”
Rep. Sheehan proudly serves the people of the 37th District.
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