State Representative Patrick Sheehan, who also works as a police officer in the southwest suburbs, has voiced opposition to a new legislative proposal that would ban law enforcement from using tear gas and pepper spray as non-lethal force options.
“This is yet another example of a radical Democrat stoking fear among the public and trying to take de-escalation tools away from law enforcement,” said Sheehan. “When confronted with situations which threaten the safety of law enforcement officers or the public, non-lethal force can help prevent dangerous rioting and calm crowd violence.”
The proposed legislation, House Bill 5553, was introduced by Representative Edgar Gonzalez, a Democrat from Chicago. The bill would prohibit the use or possession of tear gas by law enforcement one year after enactment. It includes exemptions for retailers with sealed containers, interstate shipping, and small self-defense devices under two ounces. The bill also allows individuals harmed by tear gas to file lawsuits against officers or agencies without needing to prove negligence. Additional provisions require public reporting of violations and impose significant fines.
“Those across the aisle should be supporting law enforcement with tools to de-escalate violent confrontations. Politicians should not be stoking dangerous interactions which threaten the public and those performing the very dangerous job of keeping them safe,” said Sheehan. “I join law enforcement officers from across the state in condemning this proposal which threatens public safety.”
Sheehan was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois’ 37th House District in 2024, succeeding Tim Ozinga.
Rep. Sheehan proudly serves the people of the 37thDistrict in the Illinois House.
