President Donald Trump said Saturday that residents in Chicago have been calling to “bring in Trump” following a series of violent incidents in the city’s downtown area Friday night.
The statement came after a disturbance involving hundreds of youths resulted in multiple shootings and injuries to police officers.
A riot broke out in the Chicago Loop near State and Randolph streets shortly before 10 p.m. Friday, according to FOX 32 Chicago.
The activity followed the city’s official Christmas tree lighting ceremony earlier in the evening.
Chicago’s 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins said approximately 300 juveniles were involved, and several officers were attacked with mace and stun guns.
Hopkins confirmed that at least one officer was hospitalized with injuries.
Authorities reported that at least eight minors were shot during the unrest.
The victims included a 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds, a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old.
Less than an hour after the initial reports, a 14-year-old boy was shot in a separate incident and later died at a hospital.
An 18-year-old man was also injured.
In a Saturday post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote, “Massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area. Multiple Police Officers attacked and badly injured. 300 people rioting, 6 victims shot, one critical and one DEAD.” He added, “In the meantime, Governor Pritzker and the Low IQ Mayor of Chicago are refusing Federal Government help for a situation that could be quickly remedied. The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!”
The Friday violence occurred days after another high-profile incident on the city’s transit system.
A woman was set on fire aboard a Chicago train in what officials described as a severe attack.
Lawrence Reed, 50, was arrested and charged with committing a terrorist attack or other violence against a mass transportation system. Authorities said he had “no business being on the streets.”
Records show Reed has been arrested dozens of times since 2017.
His prior charges include felony aggravated arson and multiple counts of battery.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the train attack an “isolated incident.”
City officials and law enforcement continue to investigate the Friday night riot as police review surveillance footage and witness accounts.
The series of incidents adds to ongoing concerns about juvenile-involved crime and public safety in the city’s downtown area.
