Amidst the growing concern over the surge in violence in Chicago, Democratic Alderman Raymond Lopez spoke candidly with “America Reports” co-host Sandra Smith, expressing his frustration with the response from national leaders, specifically Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Vice President was recently in Chicago for the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund’s “Gun Sense University.” When quizzed about the escalating gun violence in Chicago, Harris’s reaction was a somewhat unexpected and jovial one. Instead of addressing the issue head-on, she responded with laughter and a reference to “vote.gov,” the federal website for voter registration. An interesting response given Chicago’s longstanding governance by the Democratic party.
Lopez’s sentiment was clear. For him, and many like him who face the realities of the city’s challenges daily, the violence in Chicago is no trivial matter. He expressed his anguish over comforting families affected by gun violence, gang-related incidents, and drug-related crimes. He remarked, “This is not a laughing matter and I don’t find it funny one bit.”
Lopez also highlighted the broader implications of what he perceives as inaction from the Democratic administration. He drew attention to the ongoing border crisis, an area of responsibility handed to Harris in 2021. Citing statistics from The Daily Caller, Lopez noted the staggering numbers of illegal immigrants “encountered” by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in recent years. The added concern? Those who’ve slipped through undetected.
Sandra Smith touched upon the tangible repercussions of the increasing violence and crime rate in Chicago. Businesses have moved away, citing safety concerns, and many residents have relocated for the same reasons.
Lopez’s poignant remark encapsulated the crux of his argument: “Oftentimes, [Biden administration members] aren’t paying attention to what’s going on on the streets,” adding that they seem to be living in a detached, academic world. To Lopez, Chicago’s challenges cannot be resolved with mere idealism. “It’s not going to happen that way,” he concluded.
For those keen on hearing more from Alderman Lopez on this pressing matter, the full interview is available online.
