Man Arrested in Threat Against Gov. JB Pritzker in Frankfort

On March 19, 2026, Illinois State Police arrested a suburban resident in connection with a threat against Gov. JB Pritzker, authorities said. The suspect, identified as 71-year-old Timothy J. Shemitis of Frankfort, faces criminal charges following voicemail messages left with the governor’s office.

State police allege Shemitis is charged with a felony count of threatening a public official and a misdemeanor count of harassment by telephone. Officials say the voicemails were left on March 3; a warrant for his arrest was issued roughly one week later, and court records show he was taken into custody Wednesday. Shemitis is scheduled to appear in court again on Friday, according to the records.

Authorities provided those procedural details while declining additional public comment on the content of the messages or any investigative findings. The case will proceed through the local court system as scheduled, with the charges now formally lodged and the next hearing set for Friday.