SE Illinois News

Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event in Utah, the Illinois Freedom Caucus—which includes State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich)—has filed articles of impeachment against Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“I was deeply saddened and troubled to hear about Charlie Kirk's assassination,” Niemerg told SE Illinois News. “It’s a stark reminder of how polarized our political climate has become. No one should lose their life for expressing their views. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for a return to respectful dialogue in our society—the kind of dialogue Charlie Kirk embraced.”

In comments immediately following Kirk’s shooting, Pritzker placed blame on President Donald Trump, arguing that his language and behavior have emboldened extremists.

Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) | Photo Courtesy of Adam Niemerg

“I think there are people who are fomenting it in this country,” Pritzker said. “I think the president’s rhetoric often foments it.”

The Illinois Freedom Caucus and Niemerg accuse Pritzker of fueling a toxic political climate through inflammatory rhetoric that they say contributed to the violence. 

Niemerg, a vocal critic of Pritzker, is actively pushing the impeachment effort, arguing that the governor’s words helped justify the tragic killing of Kirk, a native Illinoisan and prominent conservative leader.

“Blaming Charlie for division is misguided,” he said. “Many on the left have weaponized rhetoric to silence opposing viewpoints. Kirk was always open to dialogue and debate, standing firm in his beliefs without resorting to hate. Mischaracterizing him only serves to further the divide.” 

Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a native of the Chicago suburbs, was fatally shot Sept. 10, 2025, during a campus event in Utah while engaging with students on his “American Comeback Tour.”

Trump gave Kirk credit for his 2024 victory and noted in a remembrance that he “was loved and admired by all, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”  

Kirk’s deep Illinois roots, having launched TPUSA from a garage in Lemont as a teenager, have made his death especially poignant for many in the state. 

Freedom Caucus Chairman State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Charleston) cited Pritzker’s past remarks, including urging that Republicans “cannot know a moment of peace,” and advocating that bullies be met “with a punch in the face,” as examples of language that contributed to a climate of hostility and violence. 

Pritzker has been one of the most prominent Democrats to label Trump a “fascist,” even comparing Trump’s actions to those that led to the fall of democratic institutions in 1930s Nazi Germany. 

While Pritzker condemned the killing and called for cooler rhetoric, a spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal he will continue using terms like “fascist." 

The words “fascist” was etched on bullets found in the gun of the alleged shooter, a “trantifa” radical who admired Antifa and lived with a biologically male transsexual lover. 

“This was a political assassination plain and simple,” Niemerg said. “We have to ask ourselves why we are where we are today and there is no question the comments of political leaders like JB Pritzker who said Republicans should ‘know no peace’ are only fueling the hate and violence. They may not be the ones pulling the trigger, but they are certainly the ones helping deranged political activists justify their actions. This has to stop. If JB Pritzker had any integrity—he would resign immediately.” 

In one of the strongest reactions from a sitting member of Congress, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna posted a scathing rebuke of leftists like Pritzker on X. 

“I am done with the rhetoric this rotten House and corrupt media has caused,” Luna said. 

“Every damn one of you who called us fascists did this."  

“You were too busy doping up kids, cutting off their genitals, inciting racial violence by supporting orgs that exploit minorities, protecting criminals, and stirring hate.”

“You are the hate you claim to fight. Your words caused this. Your hate caused this.” 

“Charlie. His family. Those kids. No one deserved this. Enough is enough.” 

Niemerg agreed with Luna’s characterization. 

“Inflammatory language from some political leaders can incite dangerous reactions,” Niemerg said. “When politicians use extreme language, it creates an environment where radicals feel justified in their actions. The out-of-bounds comments from far-left leaders needs to stop. We must not allow the people enabling this violence to have access to power anymore. They must be voted out of office.”

Niemerg also took aim at what he described as the reckless use of political labels, arguing that mischaracterizing conservatives has dangerous real-world consequences.

“Labeling those who advocate for limited government as 'fascists' is both ironic and damaging to our society,” Niemerg said. "It is rich that the side in favor of lockdowns has the audacity to refer to small government Republicans as fascists. But the real damage is that the lies about conservatives have been repeated so often that people believe them and then tragically they use these lies as an excuse to commit violence.”

Looking forward, Niemerg urged conservative communities to respond with unity and political engagement. 

“Now is the time for conservative communities to unite and make their voices heard,” he said. “Engaging in the political process and advocating for civil discourse is vital. We must ensure that those who promote violence and division are held accountable. Enablers like JB Pritzker must be voted out of office.”

Niemerg represents the 102nd House District, which includes all or parts of Champaign County, Clark County, Coles County, Crawford County, Cumberland County, Douglas County, Edgar County, Effingham County, Jasper County, Lawrence County and Vermilion County.