'Infamous and disgraceful conduct': Illinois gov issues directive against hiring Jan. 6 'rioters'
In rural Texas, MAGA Republican Jenny Cudd — one of the January 6, 2021 defendants who was pardoned by President Donald Trump — is inviting other Capitol rioters to stay on her property, including militia members. And Cudd is vowing to do anything she can to help people who invaded the Capitol and were released from prison after Trump's sweeping pardons.
But Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is doing the exact opposite, making it clear that he doesn't want any January 6 rioters working for the state government.
According to NBC News' Natasha Korecki, Pritzker is directing the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to avoid hiring anyone who, on January 6, 2021, participated in "infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State" of Illinois.
NBC News, Korecki reports, obtained a copy of a directive written by Pritzker and issued on Thursday, January 30.
Pritzker's directive reads, "These rioters attacked law enforcement officers protecting people in the Capitol, disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, and undermined bedrock principles of American democracy. 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."
Korecki notes that the Illinois governor's directive, which was addressed to CMS Director Raven A. DeVaughn, "is likely to draw legal challenges."
In addition to pardoning more than 1500 of the January 6 defendants, Trump issued commutations for 14 others — including members of the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys who were convicted of seditious conspiracy.
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Korecki explains, "The Chicago Sun-Times previously reported that Trump’s actions in absolving those taking part in January 6, may have affected more than 50 Illinois residents, including those still facing prosecution, since Trump also ordered the attorney general to seek dismissal of all pending indictments. Illinois employs roughly 53,000 individuals."
Read the full NBC News article at this link.
