Displaying items by tag: Chicago

Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, describing the city as a ‘hellhole’ plagued by violent crime. He hinted Baltimore could be next, insisting his actions are not politically motivated despite targeting Democratic-led cities. Illinois governor JB Pritzker and Chicago’s mayor strongly opposed the move; Pritzker called it an ‘invasion’, stating that murders have fallen nearly 50 percent in four years. There have already been protests in Chicago expressing opposition, as residents fear further unrest. The announcement follows Trump’s controversial use of troops in Washington and Los Angeles, where a federal judge has recently ruled he overstepped legal boundaries.  The  judge said that Trump appears intent on ‘creating a national police force with the President as its chief’. He has barred National Guard troops or marines from performing police functions: however, this will come into effect only on 12 September, potentially leaving an opening for the conservative-dominated supreme court to rule on the case.

Police in Chicago have asked for more help to combat gun violence after over sixty people were shot in one weekend. More than thirty were gunned down during just one three-hour period on Sunday. Police said most shootings were gang-related. Donovan Price, a pastor and emergency administrator, said, ‘This is just out of control. It's a war zone going on right now. Chicago is just crazy.’ But in a country where it is easier to buy a gun than spray paint and there are nearly as many guns as people, not everyone wants stricter gun controls. President Trump has repeatedly vowed to intervene in Chicago, where law-enforcement officers have struggled with intractable violence problems. Pray for Trump to release enough federal help for control to be more successful.