Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) has blocked anyone who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack at the Capitol from working in government jobs in the state.
In a letter on Thursday obtained by NBC News, Pritzker directed the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, to apply state code in hiring individuals who were involved in the riot, because they had taken part in “infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State.”
“These rioters attacked law enforcement officers protecting people in the Capitol, disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, and undermined bedrock principles of American democracy,” Pritzker said.
“Our State workforce must reflect the values of Illinois and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and loyalty to serving the taxpayers,” he continued. “No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government.”
Pritzker’s order is a direct pushback on Donald Trump pardoning 1,500 people and commuted the sentences of 14 others who had stormed the Capitol building to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s victory over Trump in the 2020 election.
Trump’s actions affected more than 50 Illinois residents, including those still facing prosecution for their role in the deadly Capitol attack, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
