In response to a violent Juneteenth weekend in Chicago that resulted in six deaths and more than 30 injuries, Father Michael Pfleger, a prominent priest from St. Sabina Catholic Church, publicly rebuked President Donald Trump’s social media comments. Trump had suggested sending federal forces to the city to curb the violence.
During the period from Friday evening to Sunday night, Chicago experienced 24 shootings, with six fatalities, according to the Chicago Police Department. Trump highlighted the city’s troubles on Truth Social, proposing that the National Guard be deployed, citing past successes in other cities.
“Lots of Killing going on in Chicago. 22 people shot, at least 4 Dead,” Trump wrote, “Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe City in ONE MONTH, in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!! D.C. went from one of the worst, to one of the safest cities in the U.S. President DJT.”
Pfleger responded to Trump’s post, accusing him of lying and criticizing his suggestion of a temporary fix.
“I hear this morning on the news that Donald Trump said he wants to send people,” Pfleger said. “He’ll solve the gun violence in a month. First of all, the man lies every day.”
Pfleger further urged Trump to restore the funding cut for gun violence prevention programs.
“Shut up, Donald. Just send money and restore the money you took away from gun violence prevention for the city of Chicago and across this country. Give the money back now.”
In reaction to the violence, city leaders advocated for the establishment of a Department of Gun Violence Prevention that would focus exclusively on reducing gun violence and coordinating prevention programs, as reported by FOX 32.
State and municipal authorities rejected the idea of federal intervention, emphasizing their preference for community-level crime prevention investments. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed a desire for Trump to invest in Black America rather than diminishing resources for vital programs. Johnson criticized Trump’s administration for cutting funds to areas critical to community safety such as education, housing, and healthcare.
“It’s unfortunate that this president has worked overtime to defund the efforts that create safer communities,” Johnson said.
The mayor remarked that Trump’s agenda aligns with some of his initiatives, including hiring more young people, investing in mental health services, and affordable housing, yet claims Trump has not followed through.