Chicago’s downtown area experienced a violent “teen takeover†this past weekend with crowds of young people setting cars on fire, clashing with police, and damaging private property. Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson responded by urging the public not to “demonize” the teenagers who were on a rampage in the Windy City. The chaos resulted in two shootings and more than a dozen arrests. Johnson said, “In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend. It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.”
