Like a stage magician insisting the audience didn’t see the rabbit disappear into the hat, some politicians have perfected the art of denying what’s right before our eyes. But sometimes, the spotlight catches them mid-trick, and the whole illusion collapses.
Chicago’s streets tell a story written in crime statistics and yellow tape. Families huddle behind locked doors as gunshots echo through once-thriving neighborhoods. Business owners board up windows; not from storms, but from the smash-and-grab raids that have become routine. (And yes, I’ve seen the videos. We all have.)
Yet when Illinois Governor JB Pritzker—billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune—sat down with Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Wednesday, he attempted something audacious. Asked why Chicago has the highest murder rate of all major U.S. cities, Pritzker’s response was stunning.
“We’re not in the top 30, in terms of our murder rate,” the governor declared.
…did he really think no one would fact-check this? FBI data shows Chicago leads major cities with 17.47 murders per 100,000 residents—more than Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York.
From ‘Fox News’:
Baier produced a map showing that Chicago leads the nation. “Here’s a map. Most populous U.S. cities. 17.47 per 100,000 population. Chicago is number one over Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, and San Diego.”
Pritzker deferred: “Look, you can pull statistics up—” before Baier shot back, “No, no, no, these are murders!”
Confronted with FBI data on live television, Pritzker dismissed federal statistics as if murder rates were somehow matters of opinion, not documented fact.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The exchange went viral within hours. Elon Musk posted to millions: “JB Pritzker just flat out lied about an obvious fact.” According to Illinois nonprofit Wirepoints, Chicago recorded 573 murders in 2024—the highest of any major U.S. city.
On top of this, while Pritzker denies his city’s crisis, he’s actively obstructing federal efforts to restore order. The governor created an “Illinois Accountability Commission” to track ICE agents enforcing immigration law, so he’s spending taxpayer resources surveilling federal officers instead of addressing Chicago’s violence.
Additionally, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced investigations into Pritzker for potentially violating federal law by interfering with immigration enforcement.
Protecting Criminals, Not Citizens
So, let me get this straight: Democrat leaders protect lawbreakers while denying the suffering of law-abiding citizens? Pritzker sits in his mansion, insulated by wealth and security, telling Chicago families their daily experiences aren’t real.
President Trump deployed 400 National Guard troops to help restore order. Trump even warned he might jail Pritzker for “failing to protect ICE officers” and the governor’s genius response? “Come and get me.” Tough talk from someone who can’t admit his city’s murder problem exists.
The real tragedy isn’t just the lie—it’s what his denial means for Chicago families. Every dismissed statistic represents a life lost, a family shattered.
The magician’s greatest trick is making audiences doubt their own eyes. But when the lights come up, reality remains. Chicago leads the nation in murders among major cities, regardless of Pritzker’s denials.
Under President Trump’s renewed leadership, at least federal authorities ensure accountability isn’t just another disappearing act.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago leads all major U.S. cities with 17.47 murders per 100,000 residents
- Gov. Pritzker denied FBI crime statistics on live television despite clear evidence
- Illinois officials face federal investigation for obstructing ICE enforcement operations
Sources: BizPac Review, Fox News, Mail Online
