The wife of an Illinois mayor is being cited for allegedly violating the state’s stay-at-home order by attending a party at a downtown bar.
What We Know:
- Alton, Illinois Mayor Brant Walker said his wife, Shannon Walker, attended the party Sunday morning at Hiram’s Tavern.
- The mayor posted a statement on his Facebook page, saying, “My wife is an adult capable of making her own decisions, and in this instance she exhibited a stunning lack of judgement.”
- Walker said that at about 1 a.m. Sunday, the Alton police chief informed him that police were investigating and breaking up a downtown “social gathering” that was in violation of the stay-at-home order.
- “I was also made aware that my wife was in attendance at this prohibited social gathering,” Walker said in the post.
- “I instructed the Police Chief to treat her as he would any citizen violating the ‘Stay At Home’ order and to ensure that she received no special treatment.” He also added, “I am embarrassed by this incident and apologize to the citizens of Alton for any embarrassment this incident may cause our City”.
All of the partygoers face a reckless conduct charge, a class A misdemeanor which can hold a sentence of 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2500.
