On Tuesday, President Trump reached out to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, suggesting he could “quickly and permanently” address the rising crime issue in Chicago following a tragic weekend that left 39 people shot in the city.
This statement came just days after Trump claimed he could transform Chicago into one of the safest cities in America after the recent violence.
“At least 39 people were injured and 4 were killed in the weekend shooting in Chicago,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Governor Pritzker, as president, I can solve this problem quickly and permanently.” He also mentioned, “DC, Memphis, New Orleans, everything at record lows, and soon. Call! President DJT.”
However, Trump’s figures were somewhat inaccurate; Chicago police actually reported six deaths from that incident. According to a news report, over 500 people have been shot in Chicago this year alone, marking a 9% increase compared to last year.
The incidents included a drive-by shooting in Princeton Park where two gunmen opened fire from an SUV, injuring 13 individuals, one of whom declined medical assistance. The police initially reported 12 injured but later updated the count.
The chaos unfolded shortly after 11 p.m. during Juneteenth celebrations, as bullets shattered what should have been a festive night.
Among the injured were a 32-year-old woman shot twice in the back and a 44-year-old man grazed by four bullets. A local city councilman expressed his heartbreak over the violent outburst, emphasizing that no one should fear going home safely.
Further exacerbating the city’s troubles, riots broke out on the West Side, claiming the life of 18-year-old Anyas Jackson. A 21-year-old man was also fatally shot on the South Side early Sunday.
In response to Trump’s assistance plea, Pritzker, who is a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, dismissively mocked Trump’s previous political decisions. He referenced Trump’s failed renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as an example of his ineffective leadership.
Pritzker further stated that the situation in Illinois should not involve the National Guard for crime control, asserting that local efforts to combat crime are already in progress.
In the past, Trump has characterized Chicago in harsh terms, including describing it as a “hellhole” and threatening to deploy the National Guard to combat crime. However, the Supreme Court blocked such moves back in December, affirming that the federal government could not override local law enforcement when it comes to deploying military action.
Pritzker has maintained that the state is actively addressing crime without needing federal troops, insisting that their strategies are producing positive results.
