PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Stands in Solidarity with Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez Following Blast Outside His Home
(CHICAGO, IL, 6/15/2026) — The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed solidarity with 25th Ward Alderman and community leader Byron Sigcho-Lopez following a blast outside his home in the early morning hours of June 13, while his three children were inside the residence.
The explosion occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on Saturday in Pilsen and shattered the window of Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez’s home near West 21st Street and South Damen Avenue. According to Sigcho-Lopez’s office, his three children were inside the home sleeping at the time.
An individual reportedly exited a vehicle, ignited an explosive device directly in front of the home, and fled moments before the explosion shattered a window of the residence. The Chicago Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Unit is currently investigating the incident.
CAIR-Chicago affirms that acts of intimidation, violence, or threats directed at elected officials, community leaders, or any member of the public have no place in our city. Political disagreements must never escalate into actions that endanger lives, instill fear, or undermine civic participation.
In a statement, Jordan Esparza-Kelley, Communications Coordinator for CAIR-Chicago, said:
“We are relieved that no one was injured but are disturbed by the alarming nature of this incident and its potential implications for the safety of the alderman, his family and neighbors.
“Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez has consistently served his community with a people-first agenda. Unfortunately, when elected officials truly put their communities first, some people respond to that commitment with hate. CAIR-Chicago has been proud to work alongside Alderman Sigcho-Lopez on numerous initiatives, and we look forward to continuing that partnership and advocacy despite apparent attempts to deter him through violence.
“We stand in solidarity with Ald. Sigcho-Lopez, his family and the residents of the 25th Ward during this unsettling time. We will continue to monitor developments and support efforts that promote accountability, justice and the safety of all Chicagoans.”
CAIR-Chicago called on public officials, community organizations, and residents across Chicago to reject political violence and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a better Chicago through Civil Rights advocacy. As we have consistently maintained, threats, hate, and violence directed at any individual or community must be addressed with equal urgency and equal resolve.
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Jordan Esparza-Kelley, Communications Coordinator of CAIR-Chicago, 224-627-1032, j-esparzakelley@cair.com