Chicago Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Garien Gatewood suddenly fired, officials say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a shakeup at Chicago City Hall on Thursday.

Chicago Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Garien Gatewood is now out of his position, officials confirmed to ABC7.

The man who oversaw public safety in the mayor's office is speaking out after being suddenly fired for reasons that are now raising questions.

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ABC7 Chicago reached out to Mayor Brandon Johnson's office for more information.

The office provided ABC7 with a statement, saying "first deputy Jason Sanford will serve as interim deputy mayor of community safety" and "the mayor's office will provide a replacement swiftly."

ABC7 spoke with former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Garien Gatewood about what happened, as there was also reaction from community leaders who are expressing concerns.

This is the time of year when the mayor's office, police and other agencies begin turning their attention to summer and plans to prevent violence. So, the timing of the firing of Garien Gatewood is particularly troubling for some, and confusing for Gatewood himself.

"I went in for a meeting... and when I went in for a meeting, they said, 'We're going in a different direction,' and they terminated me," Gatewood said.

Gatewood was still stunned Thursday night after getting unceremoniously fired from his job as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.

"Our office was remarkably successful in what we were doing," Gatewood said. "I do not believe their actual reason was wanting to change policy."

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Gatewood was known for always showing up when major crimes happened, like the nightclub shooting last summer where four people were killed, another 14 shot. Sources say he was frustrated that others in the administration, including the mayor, did not always do the same.

"There is a culture on the fifth floor where if you work to hold people accountable, you become a target," Gatewood said. "This is a rinse, wash and repeat. You have seen this cycle play out so many times across this particular administration, and it's unfortunate."

And it is disconcerting for community leaders who have watched violent crime go down, as the mayor has made public safety a top priority.

"Well, if they're going in a good direction, then why do you get how do you get rid of your public safety person?" St. Sabina Church's Fr. Michael Pfleger said. "It's concerning to me."

"The timing is bad, the way this was handled was bad, with the decision to remove someone who was very effective in his role is bad," said 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee.

It just shows a level of chaos and disorganization behind the scenes of this administration on a matter of great importance, like public safety.

Some community leaders, including Father Pfleger, are planning to hold a press conference Friday to further voice their concerns and call for an explanation for such a high profile firing.