Illinois lawmaker suggests officials are ‘cooking the books’ to show crime drop

OAK CREEK, Wis. — Tuesday’s theme for the second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee carries the theme ‘Make America Safe Again,’ with border security and big city crime expected to be a central focus.

“I just believe the contrast is so great right now,” said Susan Sweeney, a delegate from Park Ridge. “We need to save America. This is not how I grew up. It’s very confusing to look at the situation with crime: why it’s happening and the reasons for it.”

According to data from the Chicago Police Department, homicides and shootings are at their lowest level since 2019.

“I would suggest they’re cooking the books,” said State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “I would like to see what their data is because perception is reality.”

The delegates on Tuesday seemed buoyed by the trifecta of Monday’s headlines: from former President Trump’s triumphant return to the public stage to a judge tossing the classified documents case to the announcement of J.D. Vance as the Republican vice presidential nominee.

Later Tuesday, Chicago’s so-called “Rooftop Pastor” and anti-violence advocate Corey Brooks is slated to give the Benediction.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.