A recently surfaced video capturing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson dancing has ignited criticism on social media platforms, with many users and commentators pointing to the clip as evidence of misplaced priorities amid ongoing concerns about crime in the city. The video, which shows Johnson dancing to Kiesza's "Hideaway" on a rooftop, began circulating on X this week.
Johnson's campaign confirmed his participation in the video but did not disclose when it was filmed. The circulation of the clip coincided with the mayor's announcement that he intends to seek a second term in office.
Conservative commentators and social media accounts were quick to react. Fox News contributor Joe Concha questioned the footage with a post reading, "What the actual F?". The X account @EndWokeness shared the video, noting that "1,320 people shot in Chicago in 2026 so far." Another user, @TruePatriotVox, commented, "Chicago does not need another influencer with a title." Benny Johnson, a conservative commentator, cited a 23% approval rating, approximately 40 shootings per week, and frequent "street takeovers" as reasons for criticism.
New York Post contributor Miranda Devine described the video as "Embarrassing and pathetic." Special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism and values, Nick Adams, suggested Johnson should be impeached for making the video. Gary Kaltbaum, president of Kaltbaum Capital, urged Chicago residents to "Keep voting failures in Chicagoans."
Chicago has faced persistent challenges with crime. Data from the Chicago Police Department as of June 26 indicated a roughly 3% increase in shootings compared to the same period last year, with motor-vehicle thefts up by 10%. Preliminary data from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office reported 219 homicides in the first half of 2026, an increase from the 208 homicides recorded during the first six months of 2025. Mayor Johnson was elected in 2023 and has announced his bid for re-election.
