President says Chicagoans are ‘chanting bring in Trump’ after violent downtown riot
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters outside the White House on Nov. 22, 2025. GRAEME SLOAN/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock
Chicago experienced a surge of violence Friday night as at least eight teenagers were shot—one fatally—and multiple police officers were attacked during a riot in the city’s downtown Loop district.
President Donald Trump commented on the unrest Saturday, saying Chicagoans were calling to “bring in Trump” to address what he described as a “massive crime and rioting” situation. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized local officials, writing that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson were “refusing Federal Government help” that could “quickly remedy” the situation.
According to Fox 32 Chicago, the disturbance began near State and Randolph streets around 10 p.m., following a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. City Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward reported that roughly 300 juveniles were involved, using mace and stun guns against police officers. At least one officer required hospitalization.
Among the victims, six were minors aged 13 to 17. A 14-year-old boy later died in the hospital, and an 18-year-old man was also injured.
The weekend’s violence follows another high-profile incident in the city. Lawrence Reed, 50, who has a long criminal record, was charged with setting a woman on fire aboard a Chicago train. Despite prosecutors requesting he remain detained, a judge released Reed with an ankle monitor. Mayor Johnson referred to the attack as an “isolated incident,” while records show Reed has faced multiple arrests since 2017, including charges for aggravated arson and battery.
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