Moment of silence on Illinois House floor for ‘GI Joe’

John Anthony
State Rep. John Anthony said it’s time to stand with police and push a new message that values all lives. (Photo by www.ilga.gov)

By Illinois News Network

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois House are asking for continued thoughts and prayers for all impacted by the slaying of a law enforcement officer in Fox Lake on Tuesday.

State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal lake) said the slaying of Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, commonly referred to as “G.I. Joe,” has shocked the small town of 10,000 people.

“I ask for your players not only for the fallen lieutenant Joe and his family, but for the entire community that is affected by this fatal event,” Wheeler said.

Representative John Anthony (R-Morris), a former police officer who knew Gliniewicz, said it’s time to stand with police and push a new message that values all lives.

“Let’s get rid of the competition to see whose lives matter the most. Guess what? Police lives matter. Black lives matter. White lives matter. How about we just simply state that all lives matter?”

Police presence continues to be high in the area as the Lake County investigators conduct a manhunt seeking several suspects. Illinois State Police report deploying SWAT and air operations to the area to assist local law enforcement in their efforts.

Gliniewicz was the 24th officer slain from across the country this year alone.

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