(The Center Square)–A retired police chief says Illinois’ SAFE-T Act has emboldened individuals who could attack law enforcement officers.
Officers in Chicago and Granite City have been shot in recent days, and a Cook County Fugitive Task Force member was struck by a suspect’s vehicle last week.
Retired Riverside, Illinois police chief Thomas Weitzel said the SAFE-T Act reduced authorities’ ability to keep people in custody.
“Those types of individuals that would attack a police officer are just emboldened by that,” Weitzel told The Center Square.
A suspect was arrested early Saturday morning after a shooting left a Granite City officer hospitalized in stable condition. The incident happened Friday afternoon when police were responding to a call.
The Chicago Police Department said an officer’s protective vest saved his life when he was shot in the chest early Sunday morning on the city’s Far South Side. Police said another individual was also shot and injured during an altercation and the suspect and the other individual were injured when police returned fire.
A Ford Heights man is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery of a police officer and leaving the scene of accident after he allegedly used his vehicle to strike a Cook County Fugitive Task Force member on Chicago’s South Side last Tuesday afternoon. Police said the Cook County task force member was seriously injured. Antwan Ford, 27, was arrested in Vernon Hills Wednesday morning by Chicago Police and members of the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Weitzel said violence against police officers has been influenced by the way politicians speak about officers and try to take tools away from law enforcement.
According to the Fraternal Order of Police, 83 officers have been shot in ambush attacks across the United States this year.
“An ambush attack is an attack against a police officer for no apparent reason,” Weitzel explained.
In addition, Weitzel said situations sometimes escalate when officers respond to calls.
“If you’re armed, if you’re a homeowner or you’re an individual that either has a firearm illegally or, in many cases, individuals have firearms that are legally possessed, when it’s readily available and law enforcement walks into the situation, many times it’s used against the officers,” Weitzel said.
Last month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker suggested he would be open to amending the state’s SAFE-T Act after a man with a long criminal history was charged with setting a Chicago train passenger on fire.
The incident drew the attention of President Donald Trump, who said crime in Chicago is out of control.
Another incident involving a suspect with a long history of prior arrests happened at a Chicago hospital campus last month. Sean Popps, 39, is accused of repeatedly punching and striking a cardiologist the afternoon of Nov. 2, in a parking garage elevator at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Streeterville campus. CWB Chicago reported that Chicago police arrested Popps twelve times this year, mostly for allegedly trespassing or damaging property on or near hospital grounds. Popps was also arrested seven times in 2024 and six times from 2020 through 2023.
Weitzel said Illinois has a pattern of suspects not staying in custody.
“That’s a pattern, right? They’re getting out. They’re not staying in custody. These individuals are being released from first appearance court or sometimes directly from the police station because, under the SAFE-T Act, we’re not allowed to hold them as law enforcement,” Weitzel said. “You have to give them a notice to appear, and then they walk out the front door of the police station.”
Weitzel said unprovoked attacks are a familiar problem in the Chicago area.
“There was this serial puncher that was walking around the Loop. He was targeting females and just punching them out and sometimes knocking them out completely on the public streets. Over and over again, he was let out of custody after being arrested to repeat the same crime against female victims,” Weitzel said.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Discover the Freedom of True American Healthcare: Why America First is Revolutionizing Protection for Patriots
In a world where government overreach and skyrocketing premiums are squeezing the life out of hardworking Americans, one innovative agency is standing tall for liberty and affordability. Meet America First Healthcare—the private health insurance powerhouse dedicated to putting *you* first.
Founded by entrepreneur Jordan Sarmiento, this isn’t just insurance; it’s a shield for your family’s future, built on the unshakeable belief that private enterprise delivers better results than bureaucratic red tape.
Picture this: Jordan’s own story hits close to home for so many of us. A sudden medical emergency landed him with a staggering $95,000 bill. Under a traditional plan? He’d be buried in debt. But with America First’s patented health insurance, that nightmare shrank to just $500 out-of-pocket. That’s not a fluke—it’s the promise of coverage that works *for you*, from day one.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Conventional Coverage
Let’s face it: The status quo stinks. Marketplace.gov and big-insurance behemoths hit you with sky-high deductibles—thousands you’d have to pay before benefits even kick in—leaving massive holes in your protection. Need a routine mammogram, colonoscopy, or EKG? Good luck without forking over more cash. And don’t get us started on the gaps in dental, vision, or critical illness support when heart attacks, cancer, or kidney failure strike.
America First Healthcare flips the script. As a proud advocate for private solutions over government intervention, they craft custom plans that slash costs by 20% compared to traditional options. We’re talking comprehensive coverage that includes:
- Preventative and Wellness Care: Physical exams, screenings, and EKGs covered right away—no waiting games.
- Telemedicine Access: Virtual doctor visits anytime, anywhere, for that peace of mind.
- Accident and Critical Illness Protection: Real safeguards against life’s curveballs.
- Add-On Boosts: Dental, vision, disability, and supplemental plans to plug every leak.
Whether you’re an individual stepping off your parents’ plan, a growing family with kids in tow, or a small business owner tired of employee headaches, their tailored approach fits like a glove. Small businesses? Unlock group benefit rates usually reserved for corporate giants—without the red tape.
And for those in-between moments? Short-term insurance steps in as an ultra-affordable bridge, while life insurance ensures your loved ones are never left vulnerable.
Real Americans, Real Wins
Don’t just take our word for it. Thousands of freedom-loving families have already ditched the old system for America First. “Finally, insurance that aligns with our values and actually saves us money,” shares one client. Another raves, “Our small team got big-business perks without the hassle—it’s a game-changer.” These aren’t scripted lines; they’re the voices of patriots who’ve reclaimed control over their health destiny.
Your Move: Secure Your Shield Today
Why settle for less when you can demand better? America First Healthcare isn’t about profits—it’s about powering the American dream with reliable, value-driven protection. Plans are available year-round, no open-enrollment nonsense.
Ready to uncover the gaps in your current setup and lock in savings? Schedule your FREE healthcare review today at America First Healthcare. In under 15 minutes, their experts will map out options that fit your life, your budget, and your principles.
America First isn’t just healthcare—it’s a declaration of independence. Join the movement. Your family’s freedom starts now.