Chicago City Wire

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson seeks to not blame perpetrators of mob violence that wreaked havoc on Chicago the past two weekends.

Johnson suggested that the "City must work together to create spaces for youth to gather safely and responsibly." He said this will ensure the safety of both locals and visitors. 

“It is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities,” Johnson said in a statement. 

Johnson’s sentiment echoes that of State Sen. Robert J. Peters (D-Chicago) who also excused away last week’s behavior. 

“I would look at the behavior of young people as a political act and statement. It’s a mass protest against poverty and segregation,” Peters said in a tweet, Chicago City Wire previously reported.

In one video a group corners a man and woman and begins beating them. 

“Victims of violent Chicago ‘Teen Takeover’ attack (video below) speak out, revealing that no arrests have been made. The victims stated that the attack was completely unprovoked and unexpected. ‘Everything went crazy… They said they were going to kill us…’ Chicago is only going to get worse,” Collin Rugg, Co-Owner of Trending Politics, said on Twitter.

In the incident, as many as 1,000 teens flooded into parts of Chicago and torched cars, smashed windows, and attacked people, New York Post reported.

Three were shot during the two days of mob violence, according to Block Club Chicago.

Outgoing Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the "city cannot and will not allow any of our public spaces to become a platform for criminal conduct." 

Less than 10 days ago, Johnson joined the professors on strike at Chicago State University.

“I’m here to demonstrate and show solidarity with you all today and prepared to collaborate with all of the stakeholders to make sure that you all get a fair contract and that the services that the Chicago State University provides — that those services are delivered,” Johnson announced, according to Chicago Business.