The city of Chicago has been plagued by violence in recent weeks, with multiple shootings and killings reported over the extended Juneteenth holiday weekend. At least eight people were killed and 39 others were injured in shootings, according to reports.
Despite the devastating violence, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took to social media to focus on a specific issue: transgender hate killings. Johnson declared a "Transfemicide State of Emergency" and stated that his administration has strengthened the city's capacity to support LGBTQ+ Chicagoans.
However, Johnson's post was met with widespread criticism from residents and social media users, who pointed out that the city is still struggling with gang violence, drive-bys, and retaliation. Many called for the mayor to prioritize the safety of all residents, rather than focusing on a specific group.
One social media user wrote, "Black Chicagoans are dying in the streets by the dozens every month in gang violence, drive-bys, and retaliation. Prioritize the majority of residents dying from everyday gun violence." Another added, "Real Chicagoans are getting gunned down in the streets every week, but your big priority is another task force for 0.5% of the population? Focus on stopping the actual bloodbath instead of woke word salad."
The city's violence has been a long-standing issue, with multiple shootings and killings reported in recent weeks. So far this year, one trans woman has been killed in Chicago, and many are calling for the mayor to take action to address the root causes of the violence.
U.S. President Donald Trump even weighed in on the situation, offering federal help to stop the violence and criticizing Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for not doing enough to address the issue. Trump wrote, "Lots of Killing going on in Chicago. Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe City in ONE MONTH, in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!!"
