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Last Thursday, state Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, urged
for the Secretary of State to set up cameras and emergency blue
phones around campus.
“So that when our staff is leaving at two, three in the morning
with a dead cell phone and something happens on the campus
grounds, they have no place to go call for help,” he said.
The following day, Cabello reported to the House floor in the
middle of the session that someone had just been arrested for
breaking into vehicles.
“The Secretary of State needs to put cameras for our safety, for
your safety, for your families’ safety and anybody that visits
this campus, do it and do it quickly,” he said.
Alicia M. Jones was arrested for motor vehicle burglary,
criminal trespass to a vehicle and theft of property.
State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, urged his colleagues
to be vigilant.
“I want everybody to know that this person will probably be out
in a couple of hours, so make sure your lock your cars now
before they get out,” Davidsmeyer said.
Jones was later released from Sangamon County Jail.
The Capitol Complex was forced to lock down and evacuate on at
least three separate occasions over the last few months. State
Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, understands the safety
concerns.
“I know there’s been some bomb threats called in, but I think
that the capitol staff handled them very well,” McClure told The
Center Square.
Earlier this month, Illinois State Police charged 23-year-old
Gabrielle Williams with making bomb threats to two state
buildings in April.
“I want to thank our Secretary of State Police, Illinois State
Police, and Springfield Police for collaborating on this
investigation and making an arrest,” said Illinois Secretary of
State Alexi Giannoulias. “We take the security of the Capitol
Complex and the safety of its employees, public officials, and
visitors extremely seriously. We will never tolerate threats of
violence and will do everything within our power to hold those
responsible and accountable for their actions.”
Glenn Minnis contributed to this report.
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