Democratic Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson defended a large group of teenage rioters that ransacked much of the city on Saturday, saying it "wasn't constructive" to "demonize" them.
Several hundred teenagers wreaked havoc in Chicago in a social media-organized "teen takeover" event. The rowdy group broke windows, jumped on, battered, and torched cars, got into fights, beat bystanders, and even got into gunfights before a large police response restored order.
????#BREAKING: Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Downtown Chicago as Teenagers Vandalize Cars and Gunfire Erupts
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 16, 2023
????#Chicago | #Illinois ⁰
There is currently a significant police response taking place in downtown Chicago due to a large group of teenagers causing chaos. They have been… pic.twitter.com/n7xhBpsTKs
WHEN A CITY PLAGUED BY CRIME VOTES FOR MORE CRIME
In response to the incident, Johnson issued a statement lightly condemning the riot before asking people not to "demonize" the group.
"In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend," he said. "It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities."
He continued: "Our city must work together to create spaces for youth to gather safely and responsibly, under adult guidance and supervision, to ensure that every part of our city remains welcome for both residents and visitors. This is one aspect of my comprehensive approach to improve public safety and make Chicago livable for everyone."
— Brandon Johnson (@Brandon4Chicago) April 16, 2023
Outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a more strongly worded condemnation.
"As I have said before, we as a city cannot and will not allow any of our public spaces to become a platform for criminal conduct," the mayor's statement, obtained by NBC Chicago, read. "Most importantly, parents and guardians must know where their children are and be responsible for their actions. Instilling the important values of respect for people and property must begin at home."
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Johnson was elected as Chicago mayor on April 4, winning 51.42% to 48.58% over Democrat Paul Vallas.
Anywhere from 300 to 1,000 teenagers reportedly took part in the riot. Two teenagers were shot, though they are both in stable condition. Other bystanders who were assaulted were hospitalized as well.