Chicago mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said Sunday it is “not constructive to demonize our youth” after a swarm of rowdy teenagers flooded Chicago’s downtown, smashing car windows and destroying property.
Hundreds of teens on Saturday swarmed near Chicago’s Millennium Park, leaving two wounded by a gunman and one bystander beaten, according to Fox 32. The mayor-elect denounced the violence as unacceptable, however he implied that the perpetrators were victims of circumstances outside of their control. (RELATED: Brandon Johnson Wins Chicago Mayor Election)
“In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend. It is unacceptable and has no place in our city,” Johnson said. “However, it is not constructive to demonize our youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.”
Johnson also claimed that violence among the youth can be prevented through community investment and more adult supervision. Johnson said that the city’s youth need appropriate places to congregate so that Chicago can remain safe for its citizens.
“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,” Johnson added. “This is one aspect of my comprehensive approach to improve public safety and make Chicago livable for everyone.”
Johnson ran on a platform which emphasized a left-wing approach to fighting crime. In the public safety section of his campaign website, Johnson said he will aim to reverse “decades of under investment in our youth, mental health services, and victim support.”
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