Former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard is calling for action on gun violence after her father, Ronald Henyard, was shot in Chicago on Wednesday evening. The incident has prompted a response from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and current Dolton Mayor Jason House, as well as an outpouring of support from community members, including a former political opponent.
According to a Chicago Police Department report, Ronald Henyard, 65, was in an alley in the 1300 block of Kedzie Avenue around 6 p.m. When he was struck in the neck by gunfire. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition. The shooting is currently under investigation, and no suspects are in custody. This incident underscores the ongoing issue of gun violence impacting communities across Illinois and the nation.
Tiffany Henyard, who served as Dolton mayor from 2021 until last year, released a statement on social media expressing her grief and advocating for increased collaboration on gun control measures. She specifically urged Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to “reconsider receiving assistance from the Trump administration to better protect Illinois residents,” arguing that collaboration yields results. “The difference between Illinois and those other states is simple, their leadership chose collaboration, and that collaboration produced results,” Henyard stated.
Father Shot, Community Responds
The shooting has drawn a swift response from local leaders. Current Dolton Mayor Jason House, who succeeded Henyard in May 2025, issued a statement on behalf of the Dolton Village Board expressing support for Henyard and her family. “We are saddened to learn of the tragic incident involving her father,” House said. “Our thoughts are with him as he fights toward recovery, and with his family as they navigate this moment of uncertainty and concern.” House confirmed that Ronald Henyard is, in fact, Tiffany Henyard’s father.
Perhaps surprisingly, Jedidiah Brown, a community activist who was involved in a physical altercation with Henyard at a Thornton Township meeting in January 2025 after reportedly calling her an expletive, also offered his support. The Chicago Tribune reported on the January 2025 incident, highlighting the contentious relationship between Brown and the former mayor. In a social media post, Brown wrote, “Whatever divides us, This represents a moment for compassion, hoping she finds strength in knowing that people everywhere are praying for her father, her family and for her.”
Henyard’s Political Transition
Henyard’s tenure as mayor of Dolton and supervisor of Thornton Township was marked by controversy. She was elected mayor in 2021 and appointed township supervisor later that year, but faced challenges leading to her defeat in the 2025 elections. State Senator Napoleon Harris was subsequently elected Thornton Township supervisor, and Jason House was elected mayor of Dolton. Despite her recent political setbacks, the shooting of her father has prompted a show of unity from across the political spectrum.
The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the shooting, seeking information that may lead to the identification of the perpetrator(s). Authorities have not released any details regarding a potential motive. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in Chicago and the broader necessitate for comprehensive solutions.
As Ronald Henyard receives medical care, the community awaits further updates on his condition. The focus now shifts to the ongoing investigation and the broader conversation surrounding gun violence prevention in Illinois. The coming days will likely see increased calls for legislative action and community-based initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.
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