ILLINOIS GOVERNOR'S STAY HOME ORDER FLOUNTED BY WIFE OF ALTON'S MAYOR

Alton mayor’s wife was at party police busted, calls it ‘a stunning lack of judgment’

The Alton Telegraph
April 6, 2020

ALTON —Alton Mayor Brant Walker on Monday described his wife, Shannon Walker’s decision to attend a gathering at an Alton bar that was ultimately shut down by police as “a stunning lack of judgment.”

Brant Walker issued the statement soon after Alton Police Chief Jason “Jake” Simmons reported that officers broke up the party at Hiram’s Tavern, 213 W. 3rd St. in Alton at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday.

Simmons said a criminal complaint of reckless conduct will be filed against each person at the party for violating the state’s State At Home order amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Brant Walker says he instructed Simmons to not give his wife any special treatment.

“My wife is an adult capable of making her own decisions, and in this instance, she exhibited a stunning lack of judgment,” he said. “She now faces the same consequences for her ill-advised decision as the other individuals who chose to violate the “Stay At Home” order during this incident.

“I am embarrassed by this incident and apologize to the citizens of Alton for any embarrassment this incident may cause our City.”

He continued, “My first and most important priority is the safety and well-being of the citizens of Alton.”