Pritzker moves to block Jan. 6 rioters from Illinois state jobs

"Our State workforce must reflect the values of Illinois and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and loyalty to serving the taxpayers. No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government." - Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Associated PressErin HooleyIllinois Gov. JB Pritzker stands with other officials during a security briefing at the U.S. Secret Service's Chicago Field Office Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Chicago.

(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is taking a firm stance against those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, directing state agencies to bar them from government employment in Illinois.

In a letter sent Thursday to Central Management Services Director Raven DeVaughn, Pritzker emphasized his commitment to public safety and the integrity of the state workforce.

View letter from Gov. J.B. Pritzker to CMS Director Raven DeVaughn

The directive comes in response to former President Donald Trump’s recent mass pardons of over 1,500 individuals convicted or accused in connection with the Capitol riot.

“These rioters attacked law enforcement officers protecting people in the Capitol, disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, and undermined bedrock principles of American democracy,” stated Pritzker.

Under Illinois’ Personnel Code, candidates for state jobs can be disqualified for “infamous or disgraceful conduct.” Pritzker has now ordered the state to apply that standard to anyone who participated in the insurrection.

“Our State workforce must reflect the values of Illinois and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and loyalty to serving the taxpayers. No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government,” he wrote.