Washington Park, Chicago – In the wake of a tragic mass shooting that left 41 people shot and three killed, Mayor Brandon Johnson used a scheduled press conference to announce a temporary Emergency Assistance Center for victims and to reject President Donald Trump’s demand for federal involvement.
Local response and resources
The city will operate the center at the Washington Park Fieldhouse, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive, through 7 p.m. Tuesday. The facility will provide a safe, neutral space where victims, families and anyone affected can access wrap‑around support, counseling and recovery resources.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the city’s responsibility to “condemn what happened” and to “show up for the people who are harmed,” ensuring no one has to navigate the aftermath alone.
Trump’s comments and mayor’s rebuttal
President Trump posted on Truth Social that Chicago “will die” without a “fine‑tuned crime‑fighting machine” from the federal government, falsely claiming the city’s violence is at record levels. Johnson responded, “When you have a president who is literally defunding the operations that can actually assist us in creating safer communities, it’s difficult to take anything that he says seriously.” He noted recent cuts, including an $800 million reduction to gun‑violence reduction programs and a 30 percent cut to the ATF budget.
Police investigation
Interim Police Superintendent Fred Waller said investigators are reviewing video that appears to show multiple assailants exiting a vehicle before opening fire, with possible crossfire from armed individuals in the crowd. Police are working with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office on the case.
Community impact
The shooting occurred during an annual picnic for former Robert Taylor Homes residents. Alderman Jeanette Taylor stressed that the gathering was peaceful until “some idiot” opened fire. Community group Acclivus is also hosting a crisis‑resource event through Tuesday evening.
Authorities have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with tips can call Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑535‑STOP.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
