Illinois
Illinois Congressman recalls Jan. 6 attack 4 years later as local defendants seek pardons from Trump
CHICAGO (WLS) — Historically, the date presidential elections are certified are mundane. That is, until four years ago, when it meant certifying a loss that the 45th president falsely claims did not happen.
It is an image now burned into American history: Thousands of armed, flag-wielding Donald Trump supporters swarming and scaling the scaffolding of the United States Capitol, beckoned there by the then-president.
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As the mob shattered the windows and stormed the halls of Congress, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider hid with colleagues on the gallery floor, readying a gas mask.
Four years to the day, Congress passed through steel security gates and returned to session Monday to again execute that exact same process. This time, it was to certify President-elect Trump’s return to the White House.
“We always need to remember this day for the fragility of our democracy,” Rep. Schneider, D-Illinois, told the I-Team.
In the largest investigation in Department of Justice history, nearly 1600 Americans have been convicted of crimes connected to the Capitol insurrection. More than 600 have faced charges for assault or interfering with law enforcement; 53 of those charged traveled to the Capitol from Illinois.
Trump himself faced federal charges for conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.
With his 2024 reelection now certified by the candidate he defeated and the federal charges brought against the former president dropped, Trump has promised sweeping pardons for the convicted insurrectionists he has repeatedly referred to as patriots.
Gil Soffer, a former federal prosecutor and ABC7’s chief legal analyst, explained what that could mean.
“The pardons, they don’t expunge the record. They don’t make it as if people who have already been convicted were never convicted, but it restores their civil liberties. As to the vast number of people who could still be charged if he, if he offers a walk, a broad pardon, they can never be charged,” Soffer told the I-Team.
There are dozens of Illinois defendants, convicted of January 6-related crimes, hoping for pardons. Some who have not been charged yet are hoping the DOJ will drop their case altogether.
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An ice cream shop in Plainfield, Illinois, has launched an anti-bullying campaign after an incident with a customer.
Hazel Marie’s is located at 24030 Lockport St. in Plainfield. Owner Tammy Barvian said on Memorial Day, a customer crossed a line.
“We had a customer that felt that it was OK and appropriate to throw — not toss, but throw — a banana split at the back of one of our employees’ heads and hit her in the back of the head,” said Barvian. “Not going to be tolerated here. Not something that we’re going to allow.”
On Sunday, the store asked people to bring bananas and wear yellow for $5 Sundays. The owners said they wanted to raise $10,000 for their Bananas Against Bullies campaign.
According to the Patch, Plainfield police officers responded to the scene after the incident on Monday, May 25, but could not identify the man involved.
The employee who was hit was doing OK days later.
On this episode of ‘Oskee Talk’ I discuss how Andrej Stojakovic’s return impacts the Fighting Illini’s bid for another Final Four (3:51) as well as incoming freshman Quentin Coleman earning a spot on Team USA (17:02).
I also introduce Illinois’ newest women’s basketball recruits (23:15) and criticize the NCAA’s new international eligibility rules (30:20). Finally, I provide updates on Illinois’ football schedule (43:25) and the program’s newest signees (51:43).
Join the conversation! Comment below and make sure to subscribe to Oskee Talk wherever you find your podcasts!
Saturday, May 30, 2026 10:40PM
NILES, Ill. (WLS) — A driver was injured in a large north suburban crash on Saturday afternoon, police said.
Niles police said an elderly man shifted his vehicle into drive instead of reverse inside his garage.
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The driver crashed through his garage before going through the wall and door of his neighbor’s garage near Harlem and Howard, police said. He then struck two houses.
The driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No one else was hurt.
Police did not immediately provide further information.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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