The Senate Majority Leader was traveling in Broadview with her husband last night when their vehicle was taken at gunpoint.
( WTTW News ) Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood
State Sen. Kimberly Lightford, the Senate majority leader, was carjacked last night in Broadview.
Neither Lightford, D-Maywood, nor her husband, Eric McKennie, were hurt, the Broadview Police Department said in a statement.
Lightford and McKennie were traveling on South 20th Avenue about 9:45 p.m. yesterday when three people wearing masks stole their Mercedes SUV. Police said shots were fired during the incident, but no one was hurt.
“First and foremost I am thankful that my husband and I are alive and physically unharmed,” Lightford said in a statement. “I am trying to process the trauma of what happened. I want to thank everyone who has offered their love and support. I want to especially thank Mayor Katrina Thompson and the Broadview Police Department for their quick and thorough response.”
Carjackings have risen dramatically across the Chicago region, resulting in the creation of a task force of state and local agencies three years ago.
Along with the rise in shootings and homicides, carjackings have become a major challenge for politicians such as Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
