Admitted gang members are scheduled to hold a news conference this morning. They say they were unfairly targeted when law enforcement officials secretly met with them last weekend.
A statement announcing the news conference says members of the Vice Lords, Gangster Disciples, Latin Kings and others will be in attendance. The statement says they were treated as though guilty of crimes without any trial when they were recently called to meet with Chicago area law officials.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn also criticizes the meeting - but for different reasons.
QUINN: In my opinion, I don’t think that’s the way to go. I think a better way to go is to take on the assault weapons used by gangs to terrorize neighborhoods.
But U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald defends the meeting.
FITZGERALD: We’re going after everyone, but the more violent you are, the more attention you’ll get. And that’s an appropriate message to send. If it makes people think twice, we should do that. That’s not a negotiation.
Fitzgerald says he believes in creative strategies in combating violent crime.