Local leaders call for designated gun violence prevention department in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some community members and faith leaders believe creating a so-called Department of Gun Violence Prevention could help keep people safe in Chicago.

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It would support community-based solutions and ensure the department exists regardless of who is in City Hall.

Father Michael Pfleger, Urban League CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson and the city's deputy mayor of public safety, Emmanuel Andre, are part of the coalition spearheaded by Live Free Illinois.

"Ten years from now, whoever the mayor is, or 20 years from now, we want that mayor to also be compelled to support and staff this," Freeman-Wilson said.

This comes after another violent weekend in Chicago; on Friday night, at least 14 people were hurt in a mass shooting in the Princeton Park neighborhood.

Across the city, at least six people were killed in weekend shootings.

With summer in full swing, community and faith leaders want to ensure that more is done to combat violence.

READ ALSO | At least 39 shot, 6 fatally, in shootings across Chicago this weekend, police say

The department would be positioned to help inform policy, identify gaps, analyze trends and support evidence-based strategies that address the root causes and drivers of violence.

"We have the dollars. We know that nearly half of our budget is spent on community safety. We know that half of the budget is spent on intervention," Freeman-Wilson said.

President Donald Trump commented on the violence over the weekend in Chicago, writing on Truth Social in part: "why isn't Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe city in one month, in one year, it would be one of the safest!!!"

The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the president's statement.

Father Pfleger said, "Shut up Donald. Just send money and restore the money you took away from gun violence prevention."

Supporters want at least $100 million to go toward this new department.

"So let us fund peace now, invest in the future, invest in the now, invest in our children," said the Rev. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ.

The groups argue that gun violence should not be treated as a short-term or situational issue.

"The truth is that we cannot continue to approach gun violence as though it is a seasonal issue, an election issue or an issue that can be addressed through short-term solutions," said the Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois.

"This ordinance acknowledges what communities have known for years: Gun violence is a public health crisis. It's a community crisis," said Pastor Beth Brown of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church.

Supporters said the proposed funding would be reallocated from existing, unspecified sources; though it was not clear whether that would involve shifting money away from the Chicago Police Department.

They said the Chicago Police Department would be a partner in the effort. Police had no comment and referred questions to Andre.

Andre said the city is already spending heavily on reactive responses and should consider more preventative strategies.

"We do know right now, as Rev. Moss mentioned, there's a ton of money being spent in just responsive efforts. How can we move more of that to preventative efforts?" Andre said.

"If there's money going someplace and it's not changing things, then maybe take that money and put it where someplace that it is. So it's about being smart about the money," Pfleger said.

Some City Council members were present at Monday's conference, and say they support the ordinance proposal, which they plan on introducing before the August recess.

Others, while expressing support for efforts to reduce violence, questioned whether a new department is necessary.

Ald. Stephanie Coleman, chair of the Aldermanic Black Caucus, said she supports community groups but raised concerns about duplication.

"I also fully support those community groups, like Live Free Chicago, that understands the investment is needed. But the question is where, and I would also pose, where is the Deputy Office of Community Safety or Public Safety? What is the mayor's Office of Community Safety doing?" Coleman said.

Ald. Scott Waguespack echoed those concerns, noting that gun violence reduction already falls under the mayor's authority.

"It's actually under the purview of the mayor already. So he needs to take the responsibility and say if we're going to have all of these different departments involved in this, let's coordinate it correctly," Waguespack said.

Mayor Brandon Johnson did not attend the news conference. His deputy mayor for community safety said the public can expect to hear more from the mayor on the issue soon.