Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson says it is “not constructive” to “demonize” the rioters that tore his city apart over the weekend by attacking residents and looting stores. A chaotic scene unfolded in the Windy City on Saturday after hundreds of teenagers gathered downtown for a massive riot. At least three people were shot as the crowd set cars on fire, clashed with police, and vandalized private property. Johnson, who narrowly won last month’s mayoral election on a progressive platform, said he did not “condone” the rioters’ actions but was sympathetic to their struggles.
“In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend. It is unacceptable and has no place in our city,” Johnson said in a statement.
“However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.
Our city must work together to create spaces for youth to gather safely and responsibly, under adult guidance and supervision, to ensure that every part of our city remains welcome for both residents and visitors. This is one aspect of my comprehensive approach to improve public safety and make Chicago livable for everyone.”
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Omg this is horrific
A woman was dragged by her hair & brutally beaten by an angry mob of teenagers in Chicago near her doorway
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson says it’s not right to “demonize” these teenagers
People – move the hell out of Chicago
pic.twitter.com/GitlnyWOLq— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) April 17, 2023
According to local media, hundreds of police officers were dispatched to deal with the chaos, arresting a total of nine adults and six teenagers.
A report from FOX 32 details the case of one man being brought to the hospital, after teenagers jumped on his car and smashed the windshield while he and his wife were inside. The teenagers then proceeded to viciously beat the man.
The outlet also reported that three people were shot over the course of the weekend, including a 6-year-old boy who received a gunshot wound to the arm, and two teenagers aged 16 and 17 who were shot at random in the crowd.
Despite the violence, local Democrat leadership appears to support Johnson’s assessment of the destruction, showing sympathy for the violent crowd.
In the aftermath, Illinois State Senator and Black Caucus Chair Robert Peters posted,
Since I’m a glutton for punishment and I’m sure I’m gonna get the most unhinged, crime weirdo replies but: I would look at the behavior of young people as a political act and statement. It’s a mass protest against poverty and segregation. Rest in peace to my mentions.
Peters describes himself on his account as an “organizer for public safety for all.” He has called to eliminate the cash bail system by the end of 2023.
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You braver than me brother 🫡
— Ugo Okere (@UgoOkere) April 17, 2023
“Democrats can’t figure out why Walmart pulled 4 stores out of Chicago after Brandon Johnson was elected mayor,” Illinois political consultant Ryan Cunningham posted on his Twitter, along with footage of one of one of the superstores being looted by rioters. “Brandon wants to defund the police and his social policies support looting like this. He’s worse than Lori Lightfoot.”
Democrats can’t figure out why Walmart pulled 4 stores out of Chicago after Brandon Johnson was elected mayor.
Brandon wants to defund the police and his social policies support looting like this.
He's worse than Lori Lightfoot.
— Ryan Cunningham (@rycunni) April 16, 2023
Brandon Johnson won the 2023 Chicago Mayoral election by just over 4 points. He bested former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in what was considered a major upset, after Vallas promised to lead a crime crackdown if elected mayor. Johnson will assume office on May 15 succeeding Lori Lightfoot.
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