Chicago City Wire

Jason Cohen, a reporter at the Daily Caller News Foundation, criticized multiple administrations for their failure to improve public safety in Chicago. He described the situation as "shameful" and ineffective. This statement was made in response to comments by Bill O'Reilly and Stephen A. Smith discussing crime.

"I recall seeing a black couple on national television asking for military assistance — that's how bad it has been in Chicago," said Cohen. "And one administration after another has either been incapable or unwilling to do anything about it! It is shameful! And black folks in that city have been getting k*lled for years! And I'm disgusted at the low level of ineffectiveness or unwillingness that they've executed in getting better things done in making it better for the law-abiding citizens in Chicago."

In July 2021, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown requested federal assistance from President Joe Biden to address rising gun violence in the city. According to ABC7 Chicago, Brown said that local police lacked the necessary personnel and equipment to manage the shootings and homicides. Brown said, "We are doing our part," but also emphasized, "we need help from the federal government."

Chicago recorded 617 homicides in 2023, marking a 13% decrease from 2022, according to official city data. WTTW News reported that shootings and homicides declined compared with the prior two years and returned to totals reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. The South and West sides of the city accounted for most of the incidents recorded during 2023.

The United States saw more than 40,000 firearm-related deaths in 2023, including homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. National statistics indicate higher rates of gun violence in metropolitan areas compared with other regions. The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions reported that these totals reflect overall firearm-related mortality nationwide in 2023.

Cohen began working at the Daily Caller News Foundation in February 2023 after earning a Master of Arts in Journalism from Kent State University in 2022 with a GPA of 3.7. His previous experience includes work as a segment anchor for TV2 KSU and an internship at the Media Research Center.