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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said federal law enforcement alone cannot solve Chicago’s violent crime problems, arguing that meaningful progress depends on cooperation from state and local leaders following a deadly Juneteenth weekend in the city.
Speaking on Fox News, Blanche praised the work of federal agents operating in Chicago but said that successful crime-reduction efforts require partnerships between Washington and local elected officials. He contrasted Chicago with cities where the Trump administration says federal-local cooperation has produced results, including Washington, D.C. and Memphis.
“What you have is a situation in Chicago, and you can contrast that to Washington, D.C. So in Chicago, yes, there’s federal agents there, and they’re working cases, and they’re doing great work,” Blanche said.
“But when there’s not a partnership with local leadership, it’s not the cops on the ground.”
Blanche’s remarks followed a weekend of violence that included a mass shooting during a Juneteenth celebration on Chicago’s South Side. Police said at least 12 people were shot when gunmen opened fire from an SUV into a crowd gathered in the Princeton Park neighborhood. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 47, with several suffering serious injuries.
The mass shooting was among numerous violent incidents reported across the city during the holiday weekend. According to police and local media reports, at least eight people were killed and nearly 40 others were wounded in separate shootings.
President Donald Trump also weighed in, renewing his criticism of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and again offering federal assistance to address crime in Chicago. Trump pointed to his administration’s efforts in Washington, D.C., as an example of what he believes can be accomplished through a larger federal role in public safety.
“At least 39 people injured, 4 dead, in Chicago weekend shootings. Governor Pritzker, I, as President, can fix this, FAST and Permanently. D.C., Memphis, New Orleans, all down to record lows, and quickly! CALL ME!” the president posted to Truth Social early Tuesday.
Pritzker has previously rejected calls for expanded federal involvement in Chicago law enforcement, maintaining that state and local agencies are capable of addressing public safety challenges.
