In his speech to a joint session of Congress last night, Trump once again took direct aim at the violence in Chicago, saying "In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone –- and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher ... This is not acceptable in our society."
And just to check the facts, per data from HeyJackAss!, in fact 4,379 people were shot last year in Chicago with 800 homicides.
Of course, Trump's repeated references to the violence in Chicago take direct aim at their mayor, Rahm Emanuel, who has had little success reining in the violence plaguing his streets. Meanwhile, obviously flustered by the persistent mentions of his ineptitude, Emanuel blasted Trump's comments last night asking whether the President "cares enough about violence in our city to do more than talk or tweet about it?" Per ABC News:
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel slammed President Trump Tuesday night for his remarks during his joint address to Congress about the Windy City's murder rate.
"We have repeatedly made specific requests of the administration for greater law enforcement integration and resources; a higher priority placed on federal gun prosecutions; and funds restored toward mentoring and after-school and summer jobs programs that have proven to be positive alternatives for our young people,” Emanuel said in a statement following Trump's address. "Because this is so important, I’ll always be ready with this list whenever the President asks."
Emanuel added, "The better question, I’d suggest, is whether the President cares enough about violence in our city to do more than talk or tweet about it."
As we've pointed out before, Chicago has been a frequent Twitter target for Trump with his latest tweet calling out a particularly violent night in the city last month.
"Seven people shot and killed yesterday in Chicago. What is going on there - totally out of control. Chicago needs help!"
Seven people shot and killed yesterday in Chicago. What is going on there - totally out of control. Chicago needs help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2017
If Chicago doesn't fix the horrible "carnage" going on, 228 shootings in 2017 with 42 killings (up 24% from 2016), I will send in the Feds!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 25, 2017
Chicago murder rate is record setting - 4,331 shooting victims with 762 murders in 2016. If Mayor can't do it he must ask for Federal help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2017
Meanwhile, per data from HeyJackAss!, YTD homicides in Chicago have already surpassed 100 for just the first two months of the year.