Trump Blasts Chicago Democrats After Suspect Allegedly Mows Down 5 Officers During ‘Teen Takeover’
President Donald Trump ripped Chicago’s Democratic leadership Tuesday after an 18-year-old allegedly plowed into five police officers during a violent “teen takeover” event over Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago.
Trump blamed JB Pritzker and Brandon Johnson for the city’s crime problems after authorities charged Rashad Johnson, 18, with multiple counts of attempted murder and aggravated battery.
“Teen takeover in Chicago. Five officers badly hurt. Mayor and Governor are terrible. Should call for help!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
According to police, hundreds of teenagers flooded Chicago’s West Side late Saturday into Sunday morning during one of several large gatherings tied to the increasingly common “teen takeover” trend seen in cities nationwide.
Authorities allege Johnson struck five officers with a vehicle while police attempted to disperse the crowd near South Loomis Street. Officials said the suspect eventually crashed into a police vehicle, a fence, and a utility pole before being taken into custody shortly after 3:20 a.m.
The officers were hospitalized and listed in good condition, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Police also responded to other gatherings across the city, including a separate incident in Hyde Park where more than 50 people were arrested. Charges ranged from disorderly conduct and resisting arrest to reckless conduct and battery. Authorities said individuals arrested ranged in age from 13 to 28 years old.
Despite the violence, Mayor Johnson highlighted that the city recorded zero homicides over the Memorial Day weekend, though dozens of people were reportedly shot in separate incidents.
“Republicans need to stop capitalizing on pain and fear to distract from their failing economy and the consequences of their forever wars,” Johnson wrote on social media. “Here in Chicago, we’re focused on investing in our youth and strengthening our communities.”
The mayor also called for greater parental accountability and condemned the unauthorized gatherings.
Trump did not specify what federal action he believes should be taken but has repeatedly floated deploying the National Guard to Chicago and other Democrat-led cities struggling with violent crime.
The president previously clashed with Illinois officials over efforts to send federal troops into Chicago, a move ultimately blocked after legal challenges reached the courts. Trump has continued arguing that federal intervention may eventually be necessary if crime worsens further in major cities run by Democrats.