Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson shredded for blaming everyone BUT the cuplrits of Teen Takeover carnage
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has urged the public not to "demonize" mobs of teenagers who organized a 'Teen Takeover' of the city over the weekend, despite the violence that saw minors shot and cars burnt.
Johnson, 47, responded to the riots on Sunday, April 16, saying he does not "condone the destructive activity" that is "unacceptable and has no place" in Chicago, but also insisted it shouldn't be used to 'demonize' the group. "However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities," the progressive Democrat said in a statement.
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In harrowing footage shared on social media, rowdy teenagers were seen jumping on top of a bus while others started a violent brawl after gathering at Millennium Park and attempting to breach barricades. Two teens aged 16 and 17 were shot and were later reported to be in stable condition as of Sunday.
NEW: In response to the ‘Teen Takeover’ in Chicago over the weekend, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson briefly condemned the violence before lashing out at those criticizing the criminals.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 17, 2023
"It is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in… pic.twitter.com/FoJMs8aXW7
Several vehicles were left vandalized in the Windy City, including a Tesla that was worth about $120,000. It's worth noting that Mayor-elect Johnson is a former union organizer who ran a campaign for new taxes and social programs in Chicago.
The chaos erupted on Saturday, April 15, when a mob of over a hundred rowdy teenagers wreaked havoc across the city, torching dozens of cars while blaring loud music. At least 15 people were arrested, including nine adults and six minors.
The violence and destruction sparked outrage among law-abiding civilians, but Johnson said the only solution was to "work together" to give kids safer spaces. "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," he said in a statement.
The mayor-elect's response was excoriated on social media. "What? Your party has controlled Chicago for decades. So you’re going to do nothing and let it happen again and again and again," one responded on Twitter.
"Brandon Johnson is already making excuses for the rioters. Good luck, Chicago," another wrote. "RIP Chicago. The summer is gonna be bad," a comment read. "Young people need responsibility. They need to be held responsible for their actions," another offered.
What? Your party has controlled Chicago for decades. So you’re going to do nothing and let it happen again and again and again.
— Not K (@NotK_US) April 16, 2023
Brandon Johnson is already making excuses for the rioters. Good luck, Chicago. pic.twitter.com/0qBuEspbG4
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) April 16, 2023
Young people need responsibility. They need to be held responsible for their actions.
— Angela McArdle (@angela4LNCChair) April 17, 2023
The chaos on Saturday night saw a bystander being attacked by a violent crowd while he was sitting in the driver's seat of his car. He had to be rushed to the hospital. Those of witnessed the melee said police were "outnumbered" and unable to handle the mob as they tried to escort innocent bystanders and tourists to safety.
One witness told NBC News that the authorities stood no chance against the frenzied crowd. "It was a lot of cops here, but they were still outnumbered," they told the outlet. "There were so many teenagers that showed up, and they tried to keep the peace and keep them under control." The city's transportation system was also disrupted as rowdy teens climbed on top of a bus and were seen dancing while it was at a stop.
NEW - ‘Teen Takeover' of the city: 2 boys shot as hundreds of teenagers stormed the streets of downtown Chicago, smashing car windows, assaulting bystanders and sending tourists fleeing from gunfire pic.twitter.com/dxZ3rXvEDI
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) April 16, 2023
While it's unclear if anyone was aboard the bus at the time, the Chicago Transit Authority announced that schedules were disrupted due to law enforcement activity, the Daily Mail reported.