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* Block Club Chicago…
A Logan Square community activist has been arrested for allegedly storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Lawrence Ligas, 62, was charged with four counts in a criminal complaint released by federal authorities Wednesday. Charges include entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building and parading in a capitol building.
According to an FBI affidavit, someone who used to know Ligas saw him quoted in an NPR article titled “Trump Supporters Storm U.S. Capitol, Clash with Police.” In the article, Ligas says, “We’re not moving on … We are not Republicans. We are the MAGA party. We are patriots.”
Authorities were later able to identify Ligas based on YouTube videos and surveillance footage of him inside the capitol. The FBI also interviewed Ligas in 2017 about a separate matter, and the special agent who conducted the interview confirmed his identity, as well, the affidavit states.
Accompanying pic…
* Now, this was posted to Darren Bailey’s Facebook page on October 31…
> Click the link and you’ll see it’s tagged as being in Chicago. There are other photos, too.
* Bailey’s campaign website advertised a fundraiser on October 31 and the contact person is Lawrence Ligas…
* Bailey’s own Facebook page had a reference to the October 31 fundraiser, but it was deleted. However, it does show up in a Google search…
* On Target Radio’s Facebook page…
Ligas was also spotted by a couple of people I know at the Illinois State Fair this past summer as a Bailey supporter.
I’ve reached out to Bailey’s campaign and Ligas for comment. I’ll post whatever I get as soon as I hear back.
…Adding… Hmm…
This guy was aggressively stalking me at the Illinois State Fair’s Republican Day event while I was working. He kept interrupting interviews & conversations to make menacing threats about what he perceived as biased media and “dirty tricks.” He was with Darren Bailey’s campaign. https://t.co/vc450UqEsa
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) December 1, 2021
…Adding… OK, I remember him now. Very weird dude…
Ligas yelled at @ILGOP Chair Don Tracy during a reporters' scrum at @ILStateFair in Aug.
You can hear him advocating for @DarrenBaileyIL after @AmandaVinicky asked why Gov candidates didn't get time to speak
Can also hear someone else ask Ligas if he's a reporter as he crowded us https://t.co/voOmLEaU1C pic.twitter.com/LDv6Fe1LyJ— Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) December 1, 2021
* Pic on the bottom right…
Oh look, there he is again https://t.co/0RknnT5BZd
— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) December 1, 2021
…Adding… DPI…
Today, Lawrence Ligas of Chicago was arrested and charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. As reported on CapitolFax.com, Ligas has been working with and representing the campaign of Darren Bailey, Republican candidate for governor. Democratic Party of Illinois Executive Director Abby Witt released the following statement:
“The January 6 attack on our democracy was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Now, we find out that one of the attackers has since been working with and representing the campaign of Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for governor. When it comes to the traitors of January 6, there must be no equivocation: Darren Bailey must immediately denounce Mr. Ligas and revoke any and all association with him at once. The governor’s office is no place for associates of traitors to this great nation.”
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:24 pm
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Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:31 pm
What was Bailey saying about the police the other day? The law and order candidate.
The ads write themselves.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:35 pm
I am shocked. *Shocked* (banned punctuation)
Well, not that shocked.
Comment by fs Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:36 pm
“We are not Republicans. We are the MAGA party.”
At least the guy is honest.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:39 pm
I want to personally “wait” to hear the Bailey Camp respond before delving too deep…
… I want to actually read how that Crew is going to respond to;
1) The insurrection and it’s participants
2) This individual and *his* situation
Finally..
3) This individual and his connection to the campaign as the Bailey Camp sees it.
The initial damage is the headline and the link. Steak and sizzle.
The fallout is how a campaign reacts and how that reaction plays out. That’s where real damage occurs, and why damage control here will be so interesting to its own delicacy to Bailey’s own base.
Does the Bailey Crew see this individual as a “patriot”… who now been arrested. Is Bailey the “insurrection candidate”?
Until I can read how they want to either distance or embrace (or both?) this individual and the history here, it’d be me projecting, when all I need to do is wait and watch to really see what a statewide candidate and campaign does here, and how they both want it to be seen.
Then?
Well, then… oh boy.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:40 pm
If you’re running for the Confederate nomination, wouldn’t you logically turn to Confederates?
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:41 pm
And who is surprised? I’ll bet Bailey embraces Ligas after this.
Comment by 47th and Lake Park Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:41 pm
“Chicago man had apparent ties to Bailey campaign”
Surprised
“man arrested by feds in January 6 probe had apparent ties to Bailey campaign”
Not Surprised
Comment by AC Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:42 pm
Guilt by association is an equal opportunity and bi-partisan trap.
“Ligas is the founder of Logan Square Concerned Citizens, he told DNAinfo at a Trump rally in 2016. At the time, he said he was a lifelong Democrat but was considering a vote for Trump”
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:43 pm
Surprised?
He is the target demographic of the Bailey Campaign (and a lot of other republican campaigns)
Comment by Bruce( no not him) Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:44 pm
Well played by the Bailey campaign. This is worth a few points in the primary. Let’s see Rabine top this.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:46 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you would-be Gov. Bailey’s appointment for director of IEMA and Homeland Security Advisor, Lawrence Ligas.
Have all voted who wish?
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:48 pm
===At the time, he said he was a lifelong Democrat ===
Yeah, that was a total lie.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:50 pm
- Michelle Flaherty -
You win the day. Whew.
===I’ll bet Bailey embraces Ligas after this===
“Don’t wait for it to happen. Don’t even want it to happen. Just watch what does happen.”
There’s no real great answer, but if the goal is to win the primary to only get shellacked in the general, yeah, you embrace an insurrectionists…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:50 pm
He did contribute to Rod, although that’s acceptable in certain GOP circles these days.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:51 pm
It’s hard for me to understand how the deranged wing of the GOP has co-opted the term “patriot” while consistently disparaging this country, its government, and its people.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:51 pm
Dear professional politicos or people that get paid to run/help with political campaigns,
Vetting is very important.
The higher profile the campaign, the candidate, or the office, the more important vetting is.
No one expects a campaign to vet every volunteer, but you absolutely do need to vet someone that is acting as your surrogate and or hosting/organizing a fund raiser for you, especially if it’s one you’re promoting.
Please stop embarrassing the paid politicos everywhere.
Thanks for your attention to this matter.
PS: GOP vetters definitely need to ask people where they were on January 6th.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:52 pm
- Donnie Elgin -
Do you think it’s fine if Bailey embraces this individual?
He’s a Bailey supporter. That much seems apparent.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:52 pm
Hello, my name is Lawrence Ligas. People call me Lawrence Ligas..
The new GOP version Forrest Gump. He’s at all the newsworthy events.
Comment by Anon 3:50 Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:53 pm
===People call me Lawrence Ligas===
He was calling himself Logan Square Larry at the state fair.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:54 pm
===Vetting is very important.===
No offense, but what makes you think Bailey didn’t know about this guy and January 6? These are the people Bailey is reaching out to, so naturally these are the allies he wants.
Bailey’s not going to be embarrassed by this. He’s going to be emboldened by it.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:56 pm
Wonder if Lawrence Ligas is part of Tom DeVore’s Freedom Society?
Comment by Club J Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:57 pm
I’m not sure what all the hubbub is about. Don Tracy told me that all are welcome in today’s ILGOP. And no one; not Jim Durkin, Dan McConchie, Darren Bailey or otherwise has said anything to the contrary.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 3:59 pm
Do you think it’s fine if Bailey embraces this individual?
Who said embrace - the dude is a volunteer. Based on the post this guy was a bit player helping at a fundraiser. So I guess if your position is that Pol’s vet and check the background on every single volunteer in their campaign then yes I suppose you have a point - otherwise it just goes with the territory.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:03 pm
There’s a lotta truth to consider in these two takes;
=== what makes you think Bailey didn’t know about this guy and January 6? These are the people Bailey is reaching out to, so naturally these are the allies he wants.===
…
=== Don Tracy told me that all are welcome in today’s ILGOP. And no one; not Jim Durkin, Dan McConchie, Darren Bailey or otherwise has said anything to the contrary.===
The truths here are important context to why the Trumpkin Cult has overwhelmed and swamped a party that thinks insurrectionists are heroes… and welcomed… by not only campaigns in that party… but the party itself.
Lotta truth being spoken.
Now what will Bailey say?
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:04 pm
===a bit player helping at a fundraiser===
LOL
It was his event. And he was a surrogate. Stop digging the hole deeper.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:07 pm
=== Who said embrace - the dude is a volunteer.===
The question was… “ Do you think it’s fine if…”
If you’d like to answer that question it’s up to you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:08 pm
=== Yeah, that was a total lie. ===
[Insert Casablanca GIF of Captain Renault saying “I’m shocked! Shocked”]
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:10 pm
===He was calling himself Logan Square Larry at the state fair.===
This by itself is enough to fail vetting.
Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:18 pm
=“Chicago man had apparent ties to Bailey campaign” Surprised =
It shouldn’t be.
I don’t know why it doesn’t get much press, but there is a currently sitting county board member in a Chicago collar county who not only attended but helped organize some of the events of jan 6th.
That stage Mary Miller was standing on espousing the educational policy prowess of that “rhinestone on the rhine” character from the 1930s and 1940s, was setup and organized by the group that county board member is the vice president of. The person who introduced Mary Miller onto that very stage, was that same county board member. That county board member was also on the state payroll as the legislative assistant for Mark Batinick.
It’s been out in the open this whole time, but the local press has almost completely ignored it. It’s understandable it is a surprise due to the lack of local coverage, but that doesn’t mean those who want to overthrow the government for a theocracy aren’t in Chicago
and its metro areas too.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:20 pm
Seems like a great guy who you’d like to be on the other team.
Comment by flea Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:21 pm
Pretty sure Facebook user Logan Square is this guy. Friends with all the Bailey “patriots”?
Comment by Aaa123 Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:21 pm
= Who said embrace - the dude is a volunteer.=
Oh calm down. It’s not like he’s Adam Kinzinger. I’m sure Bailey will be fine.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:29 pm
Just a normal guy doing normal guy stuff last January. I would expect Bailey to bring him onto the payroll, hire Devore as his defense attorney, and put him in the ad campaign.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:29 pm
Maxwell looks like he can throw a left hook.
Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:39 pm
=He was calling himself Logan Square Larry at the state fair.=
That reminds me of an early-days, rudimentary video game called “Leisure Suit Larry”.
Comment by Anon 3:50 Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:41 pm
Bailey wants Trump’s endorsement, so he’ll defend Ligas as a patriot and a martyr to the MAGA cause when he’s sentenced.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:44 pm
Whoa per FEC this dude donated to Carole Moseley Braun in ‘92. He’s been on some journey.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:45 pm
fs summed up my immediate thoughts.
Comment by Lt Guv Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:46 pm
True or not Bailey will say that while he has strong concerns about election security he had no idea Ligas was in the Capitol Building Jan. 6. This association could help solidify his far right cred in the primary. In the general these photos would be a 100lb ball and chain. The ads write themselves.
Comment by Independent Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:47 pm
===this dude donated to Carole Moseley Braun in ‘92===
Now THAT will embarrass Bailey.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 4:48 pm
=I want to personally “wait” to hear the Bailey Camp respond before delving too deep…
… I want to actually read how that Crew is going to respond to;=
OW- please do not try holding your breath on that one. Please, as a friend I don’t want you trying that.
My money is with others, Bailey will not distance himself from this friend of the campaign.
@Donnie E- if he was in one picture you could be right. The guy as everywhere for Bailey and often right by his side. He is an integral member of the team.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 5:17 pm
I am curious to see how Bailey’s primary opponents respond to this.
Upcoming quotes from Jesse Sullivan, Gary Rabine and Paul Schimpf should be very interesting. Unless they refuse to comment.
Comment by Hamlet's Ghost Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 5:20 pm
Gets Bailey more downstate votes. Should be a good pick up for Darren to have an OG in the initial wave of the movement to take back America.
Comment by Frank talks Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 5:22 pm
= Upcoming quotes from Jesse Sullivan, Gary Rabine and Paul Schimpf should be very interesting. Unless they refuse to comment.=
Their competing for the same voters many of whom won’t have a problem with it at all. Schimpf might be compelled to say something. I expect crickets from the rest.
Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 5:31 pm
- JS Mill -
Worry not, when it comes to Bailey and waiting for a response to something that should bring shame, I know not to hold my breath for that.
I do appreciate your concern. It’s gonna be a long year for all of us, we need to look out for each other.
Be well.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 5:39 pm
He’s going to be the nominee for sure.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 5:51 pm
“I am curious to see how Bailey’s primary opponents respond to this.”
Nuts, bailey beat me to get this guy.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 6:06 pm
Logan Square? Bizarre. More likely he would be a Bernie person.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 6:08 pm
===At the time, he said he was a lifelong Democrat ===
In my (direct but somewhat limited) experience, he is a lifelong self-promoter who will claim whatever seems advantageous to himself at the time. Back 15 years ago or so he was buying up properties in what only a real estate developer or flipper would call “Logan Square” (maybe West West Logan Square) and then complaining to any City official he could find about ‘certain people in the neighborhood’ keeping his property values depressed.
Comment by Leslie K Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 6:14 pm
It actually doesn’t appear that the loathsome Ligas’ claim to be a life time Democrat is a “total lie.” https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/lessons-in-propaganda/
Comment by Michael Westen Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 6:37 pm
Dealt with Larry Ligas back in 1999 when he claimed to be a Daley operative trying to help oust Ald Helen Schiller in the aldermanic election
Always seemed a bit kooky back then
Comment by Etown Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 6:48 pm
Forget about Larry, it’s Bailey.
Comment by danray Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 7:07 pm
love that Reader piece. so he’s from that swamp. Chevere, Colom and Gutierrez. the stuff of nightmares.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 8:51 pm
Ligas worked for Rabine before they had a falling out and he went to Baileys camp. Just ask him about it - he’ll tell you
He’s also angling to run Rod Blago’s 2022 Senatorial campaign…
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 1, 21 @ 11:29 pm
Reminds me of the Brett O’Keefe character from the Homeland series on Showtime. Great show, we binged all 8 seasons over the last year. O’Keefe and his 2 seasons with near civil war hit too close to home when watching shortly after the Capitol insurrection, though.
Comment by thechampaignlife Thursday, Dec 2, 21 @ 8:40 am