A Chicago priest has responded sharply to President Donald Trump’s comments regarding a violent Juneteenth weekend in the city, urging him to “shut up.” The weekend saw at least six people killed and over 30 wounded in shootings.
Father Michael Pfleger, a priest at St. Sabina Catholic Church, criticized Trump in light of the president’s social media post, which referenced the violence and proposed federal intervention. Pfleger spoke out after Chicago’s community leaders called for creating a city agency dedicated to gun violence prevention.
From Friday evening through Sunday night, Chicago experienced 24 shooting incidents, resulting in 39 victims, with six fatalities according to the Chicago Police Department. Trump’s comments on Truth Social suggested deploying federal forces to address crime in the city.
The post stated, “Lots of Killing going on in Chicago. 22 people shot, at least 4 Dead. 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!”
Pfleger responded, “I hear this morning on the news that Donald Trump said he wants to send people to solve the gun violence in a month. First of all, the man lies every day.”
The priest urged Trump to restore funding for gun violence prevention, which he claims was previously reduced by the administration. In response to the weekend’s violence, various community groups and officials gathered to support forming a Department of Gun Violence Prevention in Chicago, aimed at reducing gun violence and coordinating prevention programs.
There is opposition from state and city leaders against federal intervention, favoring investment in community-level crime prevention. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated Trump’s actions have successfully reduced crime in cities like D.C. and Memphis and encouraged Chicago leaders to consider similar approaches.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized Trump’s administration for cutting funds to essential programs, including education, housing, and health care. Johnson called for investment in Black America and community safety programs including youth hiring, mental health services, and affordable housing. He pointed out that Trump has not fulfilled promises associated with his so-called “Black agenda.”