Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker blocked rioters who attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, from obtaining and working in state jobs and thereby effectively defying President Donald Trump’s pardon. Condemning their participation in “infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State,” Pritzker ordered the state’s primary hiring authority, the Department of Central Management Services, to restrict hiring individuals who participated in Jan. 6, NBC News reported. “These rioters attacked law enforcement officers protecting people in the Capitol, disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, and undermined bedrock principles of American democracy,” Pritzker said in a written directive. “Our State workforce must reflect the values of Illinois and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and loyalty to serving the taxpayers. No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government.” The Illinois Gov.’s directive seems to be the first clear pushback to Trump’s authority and is likely to draw legal attention, NBC reported.
