CHICAGO | Gov. Pat Quinn spent his second consecutive Sunday at Chicago houses of worship calling for more anti-violence efforts on city streets and the need for an assault weapons ban — pointing specifically to the recent shooting death of a 6-month-old girl.
The Chicago Democrat stopped at two churches and was scheduled to speak later in the day at a Chicago synagogue to help launch an anti-gun violence campaign with religious and community leaders. Quinn, who likely faces a tough re-election next year, also used the chance to tout his budget proposal, playing up how he's retained money for early education.
He cited the slaying last week of Jonylah Watkins who was shot as her father was changing her diaper. Police believe Jonathan Watkins, a suspected gang member, was the target. He was wounded in the shooting.
"That little baby did not have a chance for early childhood education," Quinn told congregants of United Baptist Church on the city's West Side. "She's teaching us in heaven right now that we here on earth have some work to do."
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