Chicago City Wire

The Second City Cop blog has reported that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has allegedly been hospitalized numerous times this year due to panic attacks. The blog claims that city CARE Program vans have followed him to provide medical support.

According to the Chicago Way Podcast, as reported by Chicago City Wire in January 2024, journalists John Kass and Anita Padilla claimed that Johnson has been hospitalized multiple times for panic attacks. They cited sources who say the pressures of leading the city and managing its migrant crisis have taken a toll on him. "Two sources told me that he has been in the hospital for these panic attacks. He is stressed out," Padilla said. She further said, "This is a big, big job for him. He’s not ready for it. He’s not a leader. I’m sorry. This immigration issue is not helping him at all." Johnson, elected in 2023 to succeed Lori Lightfoot, has reportedly sought professional medical help, according to Padilla, who added that the immigration issue has only intensified his challenges.

The Second City Cop blog further reported that "apparently our fearless leader, Brandon Johnson, has been hospitalized for approximately 40 panic attacks this year alone." The blog detailed that a CARE van, established by Johnson to handle mental health crises and available with a phone call, "follows around Brandon AT ALL TIMES." These vans are equipped with EMS personnel and a doctor.

To maintain discretion during these incidents, the blog claims Johnson requests care at Loyola Hospital in Maywood or Northwestern Memorial downtown. It is alleged there is "some sort of tunnel system" allowing him to bypass main entrances and he is registered as a John Doe upon admission, albeit with his real birthdate. A user on the blog commented, "The stresses of running this city so poorly are getting to him." Journalist Kass has referred to him with the nickname "Mayor Panic Attack."

Brandon Johnson serves as the 57th mayor of Chicago after being elected in 2023 following his tenure as a Cook County commissioner and longtime organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union.