politics
Chicago priest criticizes Trump over weekend shootings, urges restored funding
A Chicago priest told President Trump to stop commenting on city violence and instead restore federal money for gun violence prevention programs. The remarks followed a weekend that left six people dead and more than 30 wounded.
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A Chicago priest told President Trump to stop commenting on city violence and restore federal funding for gun violence prevention after a weekend that left six people dead and more than 30 wounded. Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church made the comments Monday after Trump posted on Truth Social about the shootings.
Pfleger said Trump lies daily and should send money instead of federal forces.
Weekend violence Chicago police recorded 24 shootings between 6 p.m.
Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, resulting in 39 victims and six fatalities. Community groups and faith leaders gathered at City Hall on Monday to support creation of a city Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
Federal response and local reaction Trump wrote that he could make Chicago safe within a month and pointed to results in Washington, D.C. The mayor said the administration has cut funding for education, housing, and health care programs that help communities.
A White House spokesperson said Chicago leaders should request the same federal approach used in other cities. State and city leaders have said they prefer local prevention investments over federal intervention.
