Springfield, Illinois —Legislation sponsored by Illinois State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) will strengthen the penalties for gang members who possess firearms on public streets.  This initiative aims to reduce firearm violence caused by street gang members.

House Bill 4124 strengthens penalties for gang members who possess firearms and ammunition in areas where gang violence is most likely to erupt – on the streets.  The bill will provide a higher class felony and harsher sentences for gang members possessing firearms and ammunition in public places. The purpose of this legislation is to protect innocent people in public areas by punishing those individuals who are most prone to cause violence in public areas – gang members.

This legislation is an initiative of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and stems from an incident that occurred on June 1, 2009.  Chicago Police Officers Alejandro Valadez and Tom Vargas responded to a call of shots fired in the area of the 6000 S. Hermitage. While at the scene of the investigation, Officer Valadez was fatally shot by individuals who drove by and began shooting at the officer.   The individuals in the car were apprehended and the gun was recovered. At the time of this tragic incident, two of the defendants were on probation. One of the shooters was on felony probation for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Both the driver and the shooter were gang members.