Chicago Mayor Faces Pressure to Remove Extremists from CPD
Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing mounting pressure to fulfill his campaign promise to remove extremists from the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
National Civil Rights Organization Leads the Charge
The national civil rights organization, Color of Change, along with a coalition of activist groups and elected officials, sent a letter to the mayor, urging him to fire CPD officers who are tied to hate and extremist groups.
Johnson’s Response
Johnson was asked about the topic after Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
“Look, I’ve had this conversation with Supt. Snelling about identifying individuals who do not live up to our values and our standards. He has a very, I believe, extensive process that looks into the characterization of the accused or those who have demonstrated that they don’t possess the values of our city,” said Johnson.
Investigation Reveals Ties to Anti-Government Group
Last year, an investigation by WBEZ and the Sun-Times named officers who were listed as members of the far-right anti-government group, The Oath Keepers, which was involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
None of them faced discipline following an internal CPD investigation that was closed in the spring.
Conclusion
Mayor Johnson is under pressure to deliver on his campaign promise to root out extremism within the Chicago Police Department. While the mayor has acknowledged the need to address the issue, it remains to be seen whether he will take concrete action to remove officers tied to hate and extremist groups.
FAQs
- What is the Oath Keepers?
- How many CPD officers are members of the Oath Keepers?
- What is the response of the Chicago Police Department to these findings?
- What is the position of Mayor Brandon Johnson on removing extremists from the CPD?
The Oath Keepers is a far-right anti-government group that was involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
According to an investigation by WBEZ and the Sun-Times, several CPD officers were listed as members of the Oath Keepers.
The CPD conducted an internal investigation into the allegations but did not discipline the officers involved.
Johnson has agreed that there is a need to address the issue and has promised to work with Supt. Snelling to identify and address officers who do not live up to the city’s values and standards.
