Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has sparked controversy after attributing the city’s ongoing gun violence crisis to firearms being trafficked from Republican-led states and former President Donald Trump’s policies. Johnson claimed that the surge in shootings and shootings-related incidents is not rooted in Chicago itself.

But rather in guns brought across state lines from neighboring “red states” with more permissive firearm laws. Speaking to reporters, Johnson emphasized the role of federal inaction in allowing illegal gun trafficking to continue. “The vast majority of guns do not come from Chicago,” he said.

“For every gun that the Chicago Police Department removes from the streets, two or three more are brought into the city.” He singled out states like Indiana as major sources of weapons, arguing that until national gun policy is addressed and trafficking routes are disrupted, the city’s efforts to reduce violence will be undermined.

Critics quickly pushed back, suggesting that the mayor’s remarks deflect attention from local issues such as gang activity, under-resourced neighborhoods, and gaps in law enforcement. They argue that while interstate gun trafficking is a problem, systemic challenges within Chicago also play a significant role in the ongoing violence. Johnson’s statements have reignited a national debate over urban crime, gun policy, and the responsibilities of local versus federal leadership. With public safety remaining a top concern for Chicago residents, the mayor’s comments are likely to continue drawing attention and shaping conversations about the city’s path forward.