Earlier in August, Trump deployed hundreds of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., as part of what he touted as an effort to reduce crime and root out homelessness.
Chicago political leaders are slamming a suggestion made by President Trump late last week that he may soon send National Guard troops to the streets of the Midwest metropolis in order to combat crime.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, said in a statement on Friday that Trump’s approach was « uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound » and that « unlawfully deploying » the National Guard to Chicago could « inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement. »
Speaking on MSNBC on Sunday, Johnson added: « The city of Chicago does not need a military occupation. This is clearly a violation of the Constitution, and we’re going to remain firm and vigilant in our commitment to ensure that our democracy is protected and our humanity is secured. »
According to city data quoted by Mayor Johnson, Chicago has seen a drop in certain violent crimes in the past year, including a more than 30% reduction in homicides, a 35% drop in robberies and a nearly 40% decline in shootings.
