Lori Lightfoot, the Democratic mayor of Chicago, Illinois, has gained national prominence amid ongoing public protests in her city and across the nation.
She is facing accusations of hypocrisy, however, for calling on local cops to block off a demonstration near her residential block, as reported by The Blaze.
“Fort Lori”
Lightfoot, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, has earned mixed reviews for her handling of civil unrest that has spiraled out of control at times over recent months.
In her public remarks, she has been careful to distinguish outbreaks of destruction and violence from the peaceful protests in response to police brutality and racial inequality.
Her neighbors, meanwhile, have dubbed her Logan Square neighborhood “Fort Lori” because of her reaction to a recent organized protest. She reportedly instructed police officers to arrest demonstrators after a warning.
While the perceived motive for her request is unclear, the mayor has proclaimed that she has the “right” to defend her property amid unspecified threats against her.
“Given the threats that I have personally received,” she said. “Given the threats to my home and my family, I’m gonna do everything to make sure that they are protected. I make no apologies whatsoever. We have a right in our home to live in peace.”
“I have a right”
She went on to opine that her constituents would agree with her approach.
“I think that residents of this city, understanding the nature of the threats that we are receiving on a daily basis, on a daily basis, understand I have a right to make sure that my home is secure,” Lightfoot concluded.
Other Chicagoans also want to protect their homes and families, though. The mayor has been forced to limit travel in some areas of the city in response to recent looting and property damage from protesters.
Local police officers have also reportedly complained about her demanding requests for a personal security detail even as cops are already stretched thin to address rampant gun violence in many neighborhoods.
While Lightfoot continues to enjoy popularity among some of her city’s residents, continued criticism of her apparent hypocrisy on this issue could chip away at the goodwill many voters continue to extend in her direction.
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