Trump Comments on Chicago Violence
On Saturday, President Donald Trump stated that residents of Chicago are urging him to “bring Trump in” as the city faces an alarming rise in crime.
Just the night before, chaotic scenes unfolded in Chicago’s Loop, where at least eight teenagers suffered gunshot wounds, one individual was killed, and several police officers were assaulted. The disturbances erupted following a Christmas tree lighting ceremony downtown.
Trump detailed the events in a post on Truth Social, mentioning the significant crime and rioting. He noted that around 300 people were involved, with multiple police officers injured, six individuals shot, one critically injured, and one fatality reported. “Meanwhile, Governor Pritzker and the low-IQ Mayor of Chicago are denying federal aid to a situation that could be immediately remedied,” he added. “People are screaming bring Trump in!!!”
The riot reportedly began near State and Randolph streets around 10 p.m. Friday, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
Brian Hopkins, an alderman representing Chicago’s 2nd Ward, confirmed that young people were actively rioting and using mace and stun guns against the police. He also shared that at least one officer was hurt and taken to the hospital.
Throughout the chaos, six children were shot, including two aged 13, two aged 14, along with a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old. Tragically, less than an hour after the initial violence, a 14-year-old boy succumbed to injuries at the hospital, and an 18-year-old was also reported injured.
This violent weekend was particularly unsettling, arriving shortly after another incident where a man with a significant criminal record was accused of setting a woman on fire on a Chicago train. Lawrence Reid, 50, faces charges linked to that attack and has a documented history of arrests for offenses like aggravated arson and assault.
Despite the severity of his past crimes, records show Reid was released into the community with an ankle monitor after a judge’s decision, even though prosecutors argued for his continued detention.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson referred to the train attack as an “isolated incident,” though many worry about the broader implications for public safety in the city.
