Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has come under fire for posting a video of herself dancing in the streets during a Lunar New Year parade over the weekend, with several critics slamming her for the city's crime rates that have steadily increased throughout her term.
Lightfoot posted a video on Twitter of herself dancing along to a drum line during the city’s parade on Saturday, which later went viral as critics hit out against the Democratic mayor amid rising crime. The criticism comes while Lightfoot braces for a contentious primary election next month as she seeks reelection to a second term.
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“It’s time to vote! Thanks to the Kaotic Drumline for kicking off the party this morning,” Lightfoot tweeted. “One month until Election Day, Chicago! Let’s do this thing.”
It’s time to vote! Thanks to the Kaotic Drumline for kicking off the party this morning.
— Lori Lightfoot (@LoriLightfoot) January 28, 2023
One month until Election Day, Chicago! Let’s do this thing. pic.twitter.com/7qZdgSjviS
The criticism comes as Chicago recorded more than 6,000 reports of crimes during the first four weeks of January, a 59% increase compared to the same time frame last year, according to data from the Chicago Police Department. The city has seen the highest increase in motor vehicle thefts (166%), as well as robberies (25%) and sexual assaults (25%).
The city also reported a 41% increase in crime in 2022 compared to the year before, according to police data. Additionally, the city has experienced an overall 33% increase in crime since 2019, the year Lightfoot was sworn in as mayor.
The rising crime rates have caused Lightfoot to go on the defensive as she seeks a second term, fighting off a crowded field of nine primary challengers seeking to oust her from office.
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“We have started to change Chicago around for the better,” Lightfoot said during a candidate’s debate earlier this month. “I want to finish the job that we have started.”
Chicago is scheduled to hold its Democratic mayoral primary on Feb. 28. It’s unlikely any candidate will surpass the necessary 50% threshold to win an outright majority, sending the top two contenders to a runoff election in April.