The Mayor of Chicago has been, by any objective measure, a failure.
The far-left Lori Lightfoot will soon be replaced by Windy City voters, but unfortunately the same problems remain.
And the new Mayor-elect just hit Chicagoans with a wild response to teenage violence.
Over the weekend, Chicago youth staged a violent “teen takeover” of the Windy City’s downtown area.
Nine adults and six juveniles were arrested in connection with the unrest, which included crowds of young people jumping on CTA buses and fighting.
The chaos led police officials to decry groups “engaging in reckless and disruptive behavior putting themselves and the public at risk for harm.”
🚨#BREAKING: Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Downtown Chicago as Teenagers Vandalize Cars and Gunfire Erupts
📌#Chicago | #Illinois ⁰
There is currently a significant police response taking place in downtown Chicago due to a large group of teenagers causing chaos. They have been… pic.twitter.com/n7xhBpsTKs— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 16, 2023
All eyes were on Brandon Johnson, set to take office in four weeks.
By all accounts, Johnson failed his first test.
Mayor-elect: “It is not constructive to demonize youth”
He urged the public not to “demonize” the hordes of rampaging young people who set cars on fire, clashed with cops and damaged private property.
Johnson, a far-Left Democrat and former teachers union organizer said, “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. 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.”
— Brandon Johnson (@Brandon4Chicago) April 16, 2023
Even outgoing Mayor Lightfoot wasn’t nearly as toothless in her response, saying, “As I have said before, we as a city cannot and will not allow any of our public spaces to become a platform for criminal conduct. Most importantly, parents and guardians must know where their children are and be responsible for their actions. Instilling the important values of respect for people and property must begin at home.”
“Chicago is so screwed”
Johnson’s response to the chaos was met with strong disapproval from conservatives on social media.
“Chicago is so screwed,” wrote Collin Rugg, co-owner of the right-wing news outlet Trending Politics.
Even the Chicago Tribune was unusually direct in its criticism, saying, “Johnson’s condemnation of violence felt like an obligatory preamble hoping to ward off criticism. The statement’s real rhetorical energy came only at the end: Johnson and his fledgling transition team apparently saw the weekend violence downtown as a chance to offer a sociological admonishment to those who were frightened. No criticizing the kids, the Mayor-elect says, even if you ran hard and fast at the sound of gunshots or decided to check out of your Loop hotel early, eat the bill and take your next spring break in a city other than Chicago. Mr. Mayor-elect, this is not going to work.”
By early accounts those wishing for a hopeful change in direction for the city with the passing of the torch to a new mayor may sadly be in for disappointment.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
