Pritzker Calls for GOP Condemnation Amid Threats, Tense Texts Emerge

URGENT UPDATE: Tensions escalate in Illinois as Governor JB Pritzker seeks a public condemnation from GOP leaders following a threatening video filmed outside his home. The controversy ignited after a right-wing influencer, Ben Bergquam, encouraged followers to “take action” in light of the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The situation unfolded on September 12, 2025, when Pritzker reached out to both Illinois Senate Leader John Curran and House Leader Tony McCombie, expressing his alarm over escalating threats against him and his family. In a series of text messages, he urged Republican leaders to publicly denounce the provocative remarks made by Bergquam, who filmed his video outside Pritzker’s Chicago residence.

Pritzker’s message was clear: “I’m dealing with vastly increased threats…suggested that I’m taking God out of public life and encouraged people to ‘take action,’” he stated. His requests were met with unexpected resistance from McCombie, who rebuffed the governor’s plea and instead called for Pritzker to apologize for his own past comments about Republicans.

The exchange swiftly escalated, with Pritzker responding in all caps, emphasizing the personal nature of the threat: “So you won’t condemn this guy coming to MY HOME (where my wife and children live) and calling me evil while encouraging people to ‘take action?’ GOT IT.”

While Curran later issued a broader statement condemning political violence, it did not specifically address the incident at Pritzker’s home. The fallout from this conflict underscores a growing divide in American politics, as both parties grapple with the implications of incendiary rhetoric.

This incident comes at a particularly volatile time, as President Donald Trump also intensified the rhetoric surrounding political violence, attributing blame to “the radical left” for the turmoil in the country.

Adding to the tension, the text exchanges reveal a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics between Pritzker and McCombie, who typically maintain a cordial relationship. Pritzker’s texts highlight the emotional weight of the threats he faces, stating, “I’d like to see condemnation of this from GOP leaders today.”

The governor later mentioned the exchanges publicly at a summit, reiterating his call for decency in political discourse. “It seems like just common decency to just say, ‘This is wrong,’ and they wouldn’t do it,” Pritzker remarked, pointing to the need for bipartisan efforts to quell the rising political violence.

As the fallout continues, the critical question remains: How will Republican leaders respond to this urgent call for action? The stakes are high as both sides of the aisle navigate this increasingly dangerous political climate. Pritzker’s pleas highlight a crucial need for unity against violence, urging leaders to rise above party lines in the face of threats to safety.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as political leaders respond to the urgent call for accountability and unity in the fight against political violence.