Chicago police are investigating an explosion that occurred outside the home of city alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez on the Lower West Side while his children were asleep inside the residence.
The incident took place in the early morning hours on Saturday. According to information reported by U.S. media, surveillance cameras captured two men arriving in an SUV. One of them exited the vehicle, placed and activated an explosive device in front of the house, and then both suspects fled the scene shortly before the detonation.
The explosion damaged part of the property and shattered a window, but fortunately no one was injured. At the time of the incident, Sigcho-Lopez’s children were inside the home.
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Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack. The investigation is being handled by a specialized unit dealing with explosives and arson cases. According to preliminary information, investigators are examining whether an improvised explosive device or powerful pyrotechnics were used.
WHO IS BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ?
Byron Sigcho-Lopez has served on the Chicago City Council since 2019, representing the city’s 25th Ward. Born in Ecuador, he moved to the United States as a teenager. During his political career, he has emerged as one of the most prominent progressive politicians in Chicago, advocating for immigrant rights, affordable housing, and social reforms.
However, his political positions have often placed him at the center of controversy. He drew significant public attention in 2024 when he spoke at a pro-Palestinian protest where an American flag had previously been burned. The event sparked strong reactions from political opponents, and some members of the City Council even called for his removal as chairman of the Housing and Real Estate Committee. The proposal, however, failed to gain sufficient support.
Sigcho-Lopez remains one of the most polarizing political figures in Chicago. Supporters view him as a voice for the working class and immigrant communities, while critics accuse him of holding radical political views. Nevertheless, police have not indicated that there is any connection between his political activities and the explosion outside his home.
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Source: Serbian Times Foto: Canva ilustracija