As Village President, I carry a deep responsibility for the safety of everyone in our community. But as a father, this tragedy hits especially hard. I am absolutely heartbroken over the vehicle crash yesterday at Portillo’s that injured many and tragically took one life. The loss of a 2-year-old child is unimaginable, and our entire community is grieving alongside the family.

 There are simply no words that can ease the pain of such a loss. On behalf of the entire Village of Oswego, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family, and to all those injured or affected by this horrific event. I also want to thank the Village of Oswego Police Department, Oswego Fire Protection District, Oswego Public Works, Kendall County Sheriff's Office, Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Department, Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District, Illinois State Police, Kane County Coroner's Office, KenCom Public Safety Dispatch, Kendall County Emergency Management Agency, Montgomery Police Department, Naperville Fire Department, Plainfield Fire Protection District, Portillo’s employees, and the bystanders who stepped in to help amid the chaos. Your quick action and courage are deeply appreciated.

 The Village is taking this incident incredibly seriously. Since it occurred, we’ve begun reviewing our ordinances and safety protocols to identify what more can be done to help prevent such tragedies in the future. Oswego has required bollards for all commercial outdoor dining areas for decades, but we know that we must continue to evaluate and strengthen protections in public spaces.

 We are also looking into how other communities have responded to similar incidents, and we are actively exploring additional safety measures. Nothing is off the table when it comes to protecting lives.

 This has not previously been a topic of discussion at the Village Board level, but it will be now. I intend to bring this forward at a future meeting. We owe it to the families who are hurting—and to everyone who lives, works or visits here—to take a hard look at how we can improve public safety.

 The investigation into this incident remains ongoing. The Oswego Police Department will provide updates as information becomes available.

 At the Village Board meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, we will observe a moment of silence to honor the child who was lost and those impacted by this tragedy. I invite the community to join us in mourning and reflection.

 Yesterday was a devastating day in Oswego. But in the face of heartbreak, I know this community:

 Oswego is strong. We care for our neighbors. We support one another. And we rise—together.

— President Ryan Kauffman

Village of Oswego