Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Blames Gun Trafficking From Red States for City Violence

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson is under scrutiny after claiming that much of Chicago’s gun violence results from firearms trafficked across state lines from Republican-led states with looser gun laws.

At a press conference, Johnson said the illegal flow of firearms continues to undermine law enforcement and fuel the city’s persistent violence.

“The vast majority of guns do not come from Chicago,” Johnson stated. “For every gun the Chicago Police Department removes from the streets, two or three more come in.”

He linked the crisis to federal inaction on gun trafficking and criticized former President Donald Trump’s administration for failing to strengthen interstate firearm regulations. “If we want to stop the bloodshed, we must stop the mass trafficking of weapons into our communities,” he said.

Chicago has long battled gun violence despite having some of the strictest firearm laws in the nation. City officials often cite neighboring states like Indiana, where gun laws are more lenient, as major sources of weapons later used in crimes.

A 2020 Chicago Police Department report found that a large share of recovered guns originated from out of state, reinforcing Johnson’s argument about the cross-border nature of the problem.

Critics, however, say blaming other states overlooks local issues such as gang networks, economic inequality, and underfunded community programs. Some Republican lawmakers and residents accuse Johnson of deflecting responsibility for crime prevention.

The mayor’s remarks have reignited a national debate over the balance between federal gun policy and local accountability. Supporters call for stronger interstate coordination, while opponents insist the city must focus more on local enforcement and reform. With public safety central to the upcoming election, Johnson’s comments are likely to remain a flashpoint in Chicago’s political landscape.