 "In a Saturday post on Truth Social, he described “massive crime and rioting” in Chicago’s Loop, saying multiple officers were injured, around 300 people were involved, and six were shot, including one in critical condition and one dead. (AP)")
US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Chicago residents were calling to “bring in Trump” after a wave of violence in the city. His comments followed a Friday night riot in the Chicago Loop, where at least eight teenagers were shot, one fatally, and several police officers were attacked.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that there had been “massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area” and said that “multiple Police Officers [were] attacked and badly injured.” He stated that “300 people” were involved in rioting and that “6 victims” had been shot, with “one critical and one DEAD.” He criticised Governor Pritzker and Chicago’s mayor, alleging they were refusing federal assistance, and added that “the people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!”
The disturbance erupted after a Christmas tree lighting ceremony near State and Randolph streets at around 10 pm on Friday, according to Fox 32 Chicago. Alderman Brian Hopkins of the city’s 2nd Ward said approximately 300 juveniles were involved, using mace and stun guns against officers. He confirmed that at least one officer was hospitalised.
Among those shot were six children aged 13, 14, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Less than an hour later, a 14-year-old boy was shot and later died in hospital, while an 18-year-old man was also wounded.
Train attack heightens public safety concerns
The unrest came only days after a separate incident in which a man with a lengthy criminal record was accused of setting a woman on fire aboard a Chicago train. Lawrence Reed, 50, is charged with committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system. Officials said he “had no business being on the streets.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson described the train assault as an “isolated incident.”
Records indicate Reed has been arrested at least a dozen times since 2017, with charges including felony aggravated arson and multiple battery offenses. Despite prosecutors seeking to keep him in custody, a judge released him with an ankle monitor.