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A Chicago priest told President Donald Trump to “shut up” following his social media post during a violent June weekend that left at least six people dead and more than 30 others injured across the city.
Father Michael Pfleger criticized Trump as Chicago community leaders on Monday called on the city’s organization to tackle gun violence in the wake of the weekend’s bloodshed.
From 6:00 Friday to 11:59 pm Sunday, Chicago had 24 shootings that resulted in 39 victims, six of whom died, according to the Chicago Police Department.
On Sunday, Trump commented on Chicago’s crime scene in a Truth Social post, suggesting federal troops be sent to the city.
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Chicago pastor Michael Pfleger told President Donald Trump to “shut up” after he made comments during a violent weekend in the city that left six people dead and dozens injured. (Getty Images)
“Too Much Murder Happening in Chicago. 22 People Shot, At Least 4 Dead,” Trump wrote. “Why didn’t Governor Pritzker call me for help. I can make Chicago a safe city in ONE MONTH, ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest places!!! DC went from one of the worst, to one of the safest cities for US President DJT.”
On Monday, Pfleger, the South Side’s leading pastor at St. Sabina, criticized Trump for highlighting violence.
“I heard this morning on the news that Donald Trump said he wants to send people,” he said. “You will solve gun violence in one month. First of all, the man lies every day.”
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“The demonstration pool was good for 50 years,” Pfleger added. “And Iran was going to be solved in a month. Shut up, Donald. Just send the money and pay back the money you took to prevent gun violence in the city of Chicago and across this country. Pay it back now.”
To address violence, community organizations, religious leaders, and city officials gathered Monday morning at City Hall to support the creation of a Department to Prevent Gun Violence. The proposed department would focus entirely on reducing gun violence and helping coordinate anti-violence programs across the city, FOX 32 reported.
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State and city leaders have opposed federal intervention, saying they prefer investing in community-level crime prevention programs.
“President Trump’s bold actions in cities like DC and Memphis have significantly reduced violent crime – local Democratic leaders in Chicago should see the President’s impressive results and urge him to do the same in Chicago,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital. “Chicago residents and visitors will benefit greatly from the President’s successful efforts to end crime and make America’s cities safe again.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday said he wished Trump would “follow Chicago’s lead and invest in Black America,” saying the administration would cut agencies and programs that make communities safer, including cuts to education, housing and health care.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and President Donald Trump clashed over law and order in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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“It is unfortunate that this president has worked overtime to set back efforts to create safer communities,” said Johnson.
“If you look at Donald Trump’s Black agenda, he promises to do all the things I’m doing, but he failed,” the mayor said, referring to more youth employment, expansion of mental health support services, and investment in affordable housing.
