Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday directed sharp criticism at Chicago's escalating crime rates, warning that the city "will die" if Governor JB Pritzker does not accept federal assistance.
Trump stated on social media that Chicago's violence is "unchecked and at record levels," asserting it has "never been worse." He noted that 41 people were shot, with three fatalities, over a recent weekend. "The city will die if the Federal Government, a fine tuned crime fighting machine, is not invited in, by the Mayor or Governor to HELP. I am awaiting the call," Trump declared. He suggested that implementing a crackdown similar to one in Washington, D.C., would resolve the issue, adding, "The State and City can’t do what I do. Governor Pritzker, CALL!!!"
This exchange occurred as Governor Pritzker participated in a world record attempt for the most people simultaneously downing a shot of Malort at a Chicago bar. Approximately 1,969 individuals reportedly took part in the event.
Official data indicates a 0.7% rise in shooting victims in Chicago between January 1 and August 29 of the current year compared to the same period in the previous year. Fatalities from gun violence have seen a 11.4% increase over the same timeframe, with homicides up by 2.9%.
Trump is scheduled to visit Chicago later this month for the Presidents Cup golf tournament, where he will serve as Honorary Chairman. This visit follows his previous characterizations of Chicago as a "hellhole" and past threats to deploy the National Guard.
Governor Pritzker responded to Trump's remarks by questioning his presence in the state and pivoting to economic criticism. "But if he is going to spend time in DuPage County, he can leave the country club and explain to Illinoisans why his tariffs have made groceries, electricity, and everything else too damned expensive," Pritzker stated. While acknowledging that gun violence has "no place" in Chicago, Pritzker did not request federal assistance.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has not publicly accepted Trump's offer of federal help. His administration has stated its commitment to addressing violence by "stopping the flow of guns into our communities and investing in the resources that help prevent violence before it occurs."
Among the recent weekend's incidents, 15 people were shot during a gathering in the Washington Park neighborhood. Rontonio Guterz, 35, was killed in this incident, and 14 others were injured. In a separate drive-by shooting in South Austin, 15-year-old Kyren Wormely was killed. Authorities have not released details regarding suspects in these cases.
Previously, in December, the Supreme Court blocked Trump's attempt to deploy the National Guard to Chicago to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, a move he had sought to justify under a law allowing presidential deployment of the National Guard when unable to execute law with "regular forces."