53 Shot Including 7 Dead in Chicago as Governor Rejects Trump Guard Threat

Over the Labor Day weekend in Chicago, at least 54 people were shot, with seven fatalities, including incidents such as a drive-by shooting that wounded seven victims. This surge in violence coincided with President Donald Trump's renewed threats to deploy federal agents and National Guard troops to the city, a move strongly opposed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Trump warned Pritzker via social media to "straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming!" while Pritzker condemned the threat as "unprecedented and unwarranted," labeling it illegal and unconstitutional. Mayor Johnson echoed these objections, expressing concerns about militarization inflaming tensions and signing an executive order to legally challenge any federal deployment. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated increased ICE operations and noted that the decision to send National Guard troops rests with the president. The dispute reflects a broader political clash over handling Chicago's crime problem, with local leaders rejecting federal military intervention despite the administration's commitment to crime reduction.