Trump Calls on Illinois Governor After Deadly Chicago Weekend Shootings

A violent weekend in Chicago left six people dead and 39 others injured, prompting President Donald Trump to call on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to seek federal assistance. According to Fox News , police said two dozen…

Andrew PowellJun 22, 20263 min read

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“There are no words that can ease the pain of a loss like this,” the organization said.

Following the weekend bloodshed, Trump criticized Pritzker for not requesting federal support.

“Lots of Killing going on in Chicago,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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!!!”

The president also pointed to his crime reduction efforts in Washington, D.C.

“D.C. went from one of the worst to one of the safest cities in the U.S.,” Trump wrote.

Trump has previously deployed National Guard troops and federal law enforcement resources to cities including Washington, Portland, Los Angeles, and Memphis. Last year, he also attempted to send several hundred troops to the Chicago area, though legal challenges delayed the deployment before the forces were demobilized in January.

Pritzker has repeatedly rejected Trump’s offers to send federal troops to Chicago.

During a news conference last year, the Democratic governor said, “Mr. President, do not come to Chicago,” adding, “You are neither wanted here nor needed here.”

Pritzker has also pushed back against descriptions of Chicago as a city overwhelmed by crime. During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last October, he jokingly portrayed the city as a “war-torn” location before mocking that characterization with a series of tongue-in-cheek remarks.

The latest violence is likely to renew debate over crime, public safety, and the role of federal assistance in addressing gun violence in major American cities.

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