Statement from Toni Preckwinkle, Chair of the Cook County Democratic Party, on Federal Indictments of Local Democratic Leaders

John,

In a dangerous escalation of the Trump Administration's campaign to intimidate, six individuals, including Cook County Democratic candidates, officials, and a Democratic Committeeperson, have been federally indicted for exercising their First Amendment rights.

They are not the first to be targeted. Since the launch of Operation Midway Blitz, our communities have been terrorized, and those who have stood up have been physically assaulted or criminalized simply for speaking out.

What we are witnessing is a coordinated attack on blue cities and states; a deliberate campaign to instill fear and silence dissent. These indictments are part of a broader effort to scare people away from participating in protest and exercising their constitutional rights.

Now, more than ever, it is critical that we stand up and speak out.

We are a party that reflects and represents the full diversity of Cook County. That diversity makes us strong, and we will not back down as Donald Trump threatens our neighbors, our human rights, and the democratic values we all share.

In solidarity,

President Toni Preckwinkle

Cook County Board