(PatriotWise.com) — Brandon Johnson, newly-elected Mayor of Chicago, blames the violence in the Windy City on poverty. He said his “holistic” approach to crime would continue, including relying on community groups rather than law enforcement. The Mayor spoke after a particularly deadly Memorial Day weekend when more than 50 people were shot and 11 killed.
Reports of violence emanated from every section of Chicago and shooting victims ranged from children to the elderly. A 2-year-old boy was shot in his bedroom, and a 2-year-old girl shot herself. A 77-year-old man was the oldest gun violence victim of the weekend.
Mayor Johnson’s “holistic” approach to crime is not clearly defined. He did say, however, that poverty is at the root of the problem. He said lack of investment in run-down communities produces “trauma” which produces crime and more trauma.
“The violence our city experienced this weekend is intolerable. It produced pain and trauma that devastated communities across Chicago, and my heart breaks for everyone affected,” he said.
Johnson noted that Memorial Day weekend celebrations were overseen by thousands of law enforcement officers, first responders, business leaders, community organizers, faith groups, and Violence Interrupters – a volunteer organization that tries to maintain peace on city streets.
Though the holiday was the deadliest Memorial Day on record, Johnson and other officials doubled down on the hands-off approach. Police District Council Member Sam Schoenburg said police can’t do everything, and there must be a community-based strategy.
One police officer told Fox News that cops were taking a relaxed attitude. For example, they decided not to perform pat-downs or searches. Tio Hardiman of Violence Interrupters said Mayor Johnson had not asked for their help, before adding that the Memorial Day weekend was just like an average day in Chicago. “Nobody fears the police. They don’t think they’ll be caught if they break the law,” he said.
Brandon Johnson was elected to the Mayor’s office in April.
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