SouthernWorldwide.com – A Chicago priest has directly addressed President Donald Trump, urging him to cease his public commentary on the city’s gun violence and instead restore funding for prevention programs.
Father Michael Pfleger, a prominent figure at St. Sabina Catholic Church, voiced his strong disapproval of Trump’s recent social media remarks following a particularly violent Juneteenth weekend. During this period, Chicago experienced at least six fatalities and over 30 injuries from shootings.
Official data from the Chicago Police Department indicates that from Friday evening to Sunday midnight, the city recorded 24 shootings. These incidents resulted in 39 victims, with six of them succumbing to their injuries.
Trump had taken to Truth Social to comment on Chicago’s crime issues, even suggesting the deployment of federal forces to the city. He posted about the significant number of shootings and deaths, questioning why Governor Pritzker had not sought his assistance.
Trump claimed he could transform Chicago into one of the safest cities within a year, drawing a parallel to his assertion that Washington D.C. had become safer under his influence. He contrasted this with the current situation in Chicago.
Father Pfleger, speaking on Monday, criticized Trump for drawing attention to the violence. He pointed out that Trump’s claims of being able to solve gun violence in a month were unfounded, characterizing the former president as someone who frequently makes false statements.
The priest specifically referenced Trump’s past promises, such as resolving issues in Iran within a month, and urged him to “shut up.” Pfleger instead demanded that Trump provide financial support and reinstate funding that had been cut from gun violence prevention initiatives both in Chicago and nationwide.
In a parallel effort to address the escalating violence, community groups, faith leaders, and city officials convened at City Hall on Monday. Their focus was on supporting the establishment of a new Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
This proposed department would be dedicated solely to reducing gun violence and would work to coordinate various violence prevention programs across the city, as reported by FOX 32.
State and city leaders have consistently expressed opposition to federal intervention. They advocate instead for increased investment in community-based crime prevention programs.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed these sentiments on Monday. He suggested that Trump should instead emulate Chicago’s approach by investing in Black communities. Johnson criticized the current administration for what he described as cuts to essential agencies and programs that contribute to community safety, including those focused on education, housing, and healthcare.
Mayor Johnson stated that it was unfortunate how the president had actively worked to undermine efforts aimed at creating safer communities. He also pointed out that Donald Trump’s “Black agenda” often mirrored the initiatives he himself was pursuing but failed to deliver on.
Johnson highlighted his administration’s efforts, such as hiring more young people, expanding mental health support services, and investing in affordable housing, as examples of the programs he believed were making a tangible difference.
