The Chicago police union has voiced strong disapproval of Superintendent Eddie Johnson’s decision to boycott President Trump’s address at the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s annual convention. The Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing thousands of Chicago officers, expressed their discontent, calling the move politically motivated.
Kevin Graham, President of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, appeared on “Fox & Friends” to discuss the issue. He stated that Johnson’s decision “bothered him,” emphasizing the importance of respecting the office of the President of the United States. Graham noted, “He is the president of the United States. And, the reality of this is there are plenty of times I’ve sat listening to speeches that I didn’t care for, and I certainly didn’t walk out on them.”
Graham also highlighted the support Chicago has received from the Trump administration, particularly in the form of ATF agents and federal prosecutors who “prosecute our gun laws because our local prosecutor hasn’t done the job.” He asserted that this federal support has contributed to a reduction in crime, stating, “And, it’s driven down the crime. Last month we took a thousand guns off the street. Last month alone.”
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Superintendent Johnson is currently under investigation by the city’s inspector general following an incident where he was found asleep at the wheel of his car. While the initial explanation cited a change in blood pressure medication, Mayor Lori Lightfoot later revealed that Johnson admitted to having “a couple of drinks with dinner” before driving. It remains unclear whether this investigation influenced the union’s vote of “no confidence”.
The union has publicly denounced Johnson’s decision as a sign of “disrespect” towards the president. In a Facebook post, they stated, “Such a gesture would be an insult to both President Trump and the office of the presidency itself and would be a mark of disgrace upon the city through the entire nation, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot.”
In response to the criticism, Johnson issued a statement on Wednesday, acknowledging the board’s concerns but defending his decision. “As police officers, our job is to be the voice or the voiceless and ambassadors to the communities that we serve,” he said. “I can’t in good conscience stand by while racial insults and hatred are cast from the oval office, or Chicago is held hostage because of our views on New Americans.”
Johnson’s spokesman, Anthony Guglielmi, added, “The values of the people of Chicago are more important to [Johnson] than anything that could be discussed at that speech.”
Graham reiterated his belief that police officers should remain apolitical while on duty. “He has said that he has problems with President Trump. And, my feeling is, there are plenty of people that I have problems with but, the reality is when police officers are out on the street, we do not engage in political activity. The reality is that we are here to enforce the laws and, unfortunately, the police department doesn’t get to choose which laws they want to enforce. We try to enforce them impartially and if you want laws changed, you go to that body and try to change them,” he stated.
This visit to Chicago marked Trump’s first as president, following years of criticism regarding the city’s violent crime epidemic. The controversy surrounding Superintendent Johnson’s decision underscores the complex relationship between local law enforcement and the federal government, particularly in politically charged environments. The Chicago Police Union’s stance reflects a desire to maintain a professional distance from political disagreements, while Superintendent Johnson’s actions highlight the challenges of balancing respect for the presidency with personal convictions and the values of the community he serves. The incident also brings to light the ongoing debate about police leadership and the role of law enforcement in addressing social and political issues.
Police leadership is a complex issue, and this incident highlights the challenges of balancing respect for the presidency with personal convictions and the values of the community they serve.
Police leadership is a complex issue, and this incident highlights the challenges of balancing respect for the presidency with personal convictions and the values of the community they serve.
Police leadership is a complex issue, and this incident highlights the challenges of balancing respect for the presidency with personal convictions and the values of the community they serve.