On Sunday evening, chaos hit River North when ten masked thieves stormed Nordstrom on East Grand Avenue. They broke the doors, fought past security, and ran off with nearly $130,000 in luxury purses and clothing. Shoppers were terrified, employees traumatized, and yet another store was left reeling.

This wasn’t an isolated case. Smash-and-grab robberies have become a frightening pattern across Chicago. Organized groups target businesses, rush in and overwhelm staff, and vanish with stolen goods before police can respond. These crimes are violent, dangerous, and they hurt everyone — workers, shoppers, small business owners, and the city’s reputation itself.

Our police are doing what they can, but the scale and speed of these crimes demand more support. Businesses in Chicago’s downtown core cannot feel abandoned, and families should not have to wonder if it’s safe to shop in their own city.

That’s why we call for immediate reinforcement from the Illinois National Guard. The Guard has been deployed before to protect communities in moments of crisis — from floods to public unrest. Right now, our city is facing a crime crisis that threatens lives, jobs, and Chicago’s future. Guard troops could provide a visible, stabilizing presence in high-risk retail areas, deterring organized theft rings and giving police the backup they need.

This is not about politics. It’s about public safety. Every Chicago resident deserves to walk into a store without fear. Every worker deserves to go home safe after their shift. Every business deserves the chance to thrive without being terrorized by criminals who act with impunity.

We call on Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and the Illinois General Assembly to immediately authorize National Guard support for Chicago. Deploy them now to stop smash-and-grab crimes before more businesses are destroyed and more workers are hurt.

Chicago is strong — but we need help. Add your name to demand leaders bring in the Guard and restore safety to our city.