CHICAGO — A heated warning from a longtime Chicago alderman is reigniting debate over the city’s escalating violence and how leadership is addressing public safety. Chicago, once again, led the nation in homicides in 2024, prompting 41st Ward Alderman Anthony Napolitano to blast local leaders for what he described as a dangerous shift in priorities.
Chicago Leads U.S. in Homicides for 13th Straight Year
In 2024, the city recorded 573 homicides, surpassing every other major U.S. city. That figure marks the 13th consecutive year Chicago has held this grim title. According to Wirepoints, the homicide rate per 100,000 residents in Chicago was five times higher than New York’s and three times higher than Los Angeles’.
‘They Want to Steal the Police Budget’
Napolitano didn’t hold back when speaking to Fox News Digital, accusing city administrations of deliberately weakening the police force.
“They’re ignoring the crime rate because their objective is to demonize the police department,” Napolitano said. “Their goal is to steal the police budget.”
He argues that the push to divert funds from the Chicago Police Department to other social programs is backfiring — and leaving communities vulnerable.
INVEST South/West Called a Failure
One major city initiative, INVEST South/West, launched in 2019 with $250 million in public funds, was designed to attract investment in underserved neighborhoods. But Napolitano called it an “epic fail”, saying the strategy is too narrow…