President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning regarding the crime situation in Chicago, labeling the city the “murder capital of the world” after police reported at least 54 shootings over the Labor Day weekend. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “At least 54 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, 8 people were killed. The last two weekends were similar. Chicago is the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far.” He urged Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to take immediate action, asserting, “I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
In response to the escalating violence, Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken steps to bolster local law enforcement initiatives. On Saturday, he signed an executive order called the “Protecting Chicago Initiative,” which prohibits local police from collaborating with federal agents on joint patrols or arrests, including those related to immigration enforcement. Johnson emphasized the need for local police to focus on community safety without being diverted to federal tasks.
Trump’s remarks included a direct challenge to Pritzker, asserting, “Straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming.” The governor responded by stressing the importance of civilian law enforcement support, particularly from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), rather than military intervention. Pritzker described the deployment of troops to an American city as “an illegal invasion,” indicating his readiness to contest such actions in court.
Police incident reports reviewed by ABC News reveal that there were at least 32 separate shootings in Chicago between Friday and Monday of the Labor Day weekend. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supported Trump’s assessment, stating, “JB Pritzker should do something radical! He should pick up the phone and call the president because the ‘nothing to see here’ move isn’t working.”
Former Chicago Police Department Superintendent Jody Weis, who also served as a retired FBI special agent, expressed concern over the local administration’s reluctance to seek federal assistance. He remarked, “If you don’t want the fed help, then you must be happy with the numbers you have in crime. And we all know the only acceptable number for murder would be zero.” Weis suggested that political leaders might fear the public’s reaction to successful collaborative efforts in crime reduction.
The ongoing debate between city officials and federal authorities highlights the complex dynamics of crime management in urban areas. As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding effective solutions to curb violence and improve community safety in Chicago.
Editor’s note: Jessica A. Botelho of The National News Desk contributed to this article. For news tips, contact Alexx Altman-Devilbiss at [email protected]. Content from The National Desk is provided by Sinclair, the parent company of FOX45 News.
