US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Chicago residents are calling for his return to address the city’s surge in violent crime, following a chaotic night that left eight teenagers shot, one fatally, during a downtown riot.
According to Fox News, the violence erupted late Friday near State and Randolph streets in the Chicago Loop, shortly after a Christmas tree lighting ceremony drew large crowds.
Chicago police said around 300 juveniles gathered before tensions escalated into widespread disorder. Officers were attacked with mace and stun guns, while several storefronts sustained damage.
City Alderman Brian Hopkins, who represents Chicago’s 2nd Ward, confirmed that multiple officers were injured in the confrontation, with at least one hospitalised.
Massive crime taking place in Chicago: Trump
In a Truth Social post, Trump described the situation as “massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area,” adding that state and city leaders were declining federal assistance. “The people are chanting, BRING IN TRUMP!!!” Trump also criticised Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for their handling of the crisis.
Chicago train attack sparks fury
The violent weekend followed another shocking case that has heightened public concern about safety in the city’s transit system.
Authorities recently charged 50-year-old Lawrence Reed with committing a violent act on a mass transportation system after he allegedly set a woman on fire aboard a train.
Officials noted that Reed had an extensive criminal record and had been released on an ankle monitor despite prosecutors’ objections, multiple reports claimed.
Mayor Brandon Johnson described the train attack as an “isolated incident” but faced renewed criticism from residents and political opponents over Chicago’s broader crime trends.
Trump’s deployment of federal troops in other cities
In his second term so far, Trump has authorised the deployment of federal troops, primarily National Guard units, to several American cities as part of a broad campaign to address violent crime, protests, and immigration enforcement.
Deployments began in Los Angeles in June 2025, where thousands of National Guard and Marine troops were sent amid protests against immigration enforcement tactics. Subsequently, troops were deployed to Washington, DC, Memphis, Tennessee, Portland, Oregon, and Chicago.