Following a bloody Independence Day weekend with nearly a dozen gun-related deaths, a Chicago Democrat is asking for the National Guard to step in and help local police.

“I am requesting with this press conference that Gov. Patrick Quinn order the Illinois National Guard [and] the Illinois State Police to come to Chicago and work with our mayor, Rahm Emanuel, to provide safety for the children, especially, and for all who walk in Chicago. We deserve. We’re important. Our kids are important,” State Rep. Monique Davis said at a news conference at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, The News-Gazette reported.

She also asked that the governor appoint a task force to “guide the behavior of the National Guard. We don’t want them to have us fearing them also. We want them there for safety and protection.”

There are conflicting reports, but roughly 74 people were shot over the long holiday weekend. Ms. Davis said the city does have the resources to arrest all those accountable.

Rep. Mary Flowers, also a Democrat, disagreed with Ms. Davis‘ assessment that troops are needed, but concurs “that the governor needs to do something. We must be respected in our community. We must have jobs in our community.”

The governor has yet to comment on Ms. Davis‘ request.

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