Urgent Measures Sought To Protect Mail Carriers After Chicago Postal Worker Fatally Shot

Illinois lawmakers and union leaders demand increased protection for postal employees

Photo byMick HauptonUnsplash

CHICAGO — Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford is calling for immediate action to protect postal workers following the fatal shooting of a Chicago letter carrier. Over the past year, at least 140 postal workers in Chicago have been attacked while on duty.

The most recent incident occurred on July 19, when veteran letter carrier Octavia Redmond was shot and killed in the West Pullman neighborhood. Redmond was delivering mail when a masked assailant fired multiple shots at her before fleeing in a waiting vehicle.

“This senseless act of violence has shocked and outraged us,” said National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Brian Renfroe. “Violent crime against letter carriers has been increasing, and it is now, tragically, common for them to be targeted, assaulted, and even killed. We need immediate action to address this crisis.”

Rep. Ford is currently discussing potential solutions with members of Congress.

“Postal workers are experiencing significant trauma due to unsafe working conditions,” Ford told The Center Square. “We must determine whether collaboration with postal police or state and federal authorities is needed to ensure their safety.”

Elise Foster, President of NALC Branch 11, emphasized the urgency of implementing protective measures for postal workers.

“We need immediate action,” Foster said. “Whether it involves having someone accompany letter carriers on their routes or another form of protection, something must be done.”

Following Redmond’s murder, postal workers and union leaders convened at a South Side union hall to demand legislative action. Speakers stressed that the time for mere discussions has passed, and concrete steps must be taken.

Rep. Ford agrees that effective deterrents must be established.

“It’s not just about imposing harsher penalties on perpetrators,” Ford said. “We need deterrents that send a clear message. Politicians have specific protections against violence, and similar legislative changes could make violence against postal workers an automatic felony.”

Ford highlighted that postal workers are often seen as targets by criminals seeking to steal checks and packages.

“Postal workers carry valuable items, sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and we must protect them,” he said. “Given the current climate, why would they want to continue doing their jobs?”

Renfroe urged Congress to take swift action to address the rising violence against postal workers.