David Sheppard, Candidate for Illinois State Representative District 36 | Provided
David Sheppard, Candidate for Illinois State Representative District 36 | Provided
David Sheppard, a candidate for Illinois House District 36, has said that violence undermines legitimate protest and urged citizens to pursue change through lawful civic engagement while respecting federal officers. This statement was made in a provided statement.
"This is flat-out un-American," said Sheppard. "The Constitution guarantees every American the right to protest the government, to have their voice heard. But our founding document does not give blanket permission to harm others. Redirect that energy into action that uplifts, not destroys."
The U.S. is currently engaged in debates over the limits of First Amendment protest rights, focusing on when protected expression becomes unlawful conduct such as violence or obstruction. Federal and local authorities emphasize balancing speech rights with public safety, guided by recommendations from the U.S. Department of Justice for lawful crowd management. Civil liberties groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also publish guidance defining permissible restrictions on protests.
According to AP News, 77 people, including local officials, were arrested in September 2025 during an immigration protest at New York’s 26 Federal Plaza. An additional 13 individuals were detained during a concurrent Chicago-area demonstration near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Officials charged individuals with assaulting officers, blocking entrances, and disorderly conduct, highlighting how protests can escalate into criminal cases.
The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reports that more than 94% of U.S. demonstrations since 2020 have remained peaceful. However, ACLED's 2025 overview noted a rise in protest frequency tied to immigration and federal policy debates. Researchers found that de-escalatory policing practices correlate strongly with reduced violent incidents.
Sheppard is a Republican candidate for Illinois House District 36 in 2022 and is a former police chief and U.S. Navy veteran. His campaign emphasized public safety, education, and anti-bullying measures. Although he did not win the seat, he continues local advocacy on security issues.
Illinois House District 36 includes portions of Chicago’s southwest suburbs and elects one representative to the 118-member Illinois House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Democrat Kelly M. Burke. Representatives serve two-year terms, handling statewide policy on issues such as education, justice, and taxation.
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