“He’s Got to Go” — Brandon Johnson Loses Police Support as Slain Officer’s Family Sues the City

Tensions between Chicago City Hall and law enforcement intensified this week as the family of a slain police officer filed a civil lawsuit against the city, while criticism of Mayor Brandon Johnson from rank-and-file officers and police advocates grew increasingly vocal. The lawsuit, combined with mounting political pressure, has fueled claims that the mayor has lost the confidence of the police department at a critical moment for public safety.

The family’s lawsuit alleges that city policies and leadership failures contributed to unsafe conditions that ultimately led to the officer’s death. While the legal filing stops short of accusing the mayor personally of wrongdoing, it argues that decisions made at the highest levels of city government created an environment in which officers were placed at heightened risk. City officials have said they are reviewing the complaint and will respond through the legal process.

Mayor Johnson, who has often emphasized police reform and accountability, now faces criticism from police unions and some officers who say his administration has been dismissive of their concerns. Chants of “He’s got to go” were heard at recent demonstrations organized by police supporters, underscoring the depth of anger following the officer’s death and the lawsuit.

The Fraternal Order of Police and other law enforcement groups argue that morale within the department has reached a low point. They claim officers feel unsupported by city leadership, pointing to budget disputes, disciplinary policies, and public statements that they believe have weakened trust between police and the mayor’s office.

“This is about more than one tragic case,” said a police union representative. “It’s about whether officers believe the city has their backs when they put their lives on the line.”

Johnson has defended his approach, stating that his administration is committed both to officer safety and to reforms aimed at improving community trust. In public remarks, he expressed sympathy for the officer’s family and emphasized that the loss of any officer is a tragedy for the entire city. At the same time, he rejected calls for his resignation, saying leadership requires staying the course during moments of crisis.

Political analysts say the situation places the mayor in a difficult position. Alienating police unions can have consequences for public safety cooperation and political support, but retreating from reform pledges could anger progressive voters who helped bring him into office. The lawsuit adds another layer of complexity, as legal proceedings may bring internal city communications and policy decisions under scrutiny.

Community reaction has been mixed. Some residents side with the officer’s family and say the city must prioritize law enforcement safety. Others argue that accountability and reform remain essential, and caution against allowing grief and anger to derail long-term changes aimed at reducing violence and improving policing.

The city has not yet disclosed how it plans to respond to the lawsuit beyond standard legal defenses. However, observers expect the case to become a focal point in ongoing debates over crime, policing, and leadership in Chicago.

As the legal process unfolds, pressure on Mayor Johnson is unlikely to ease. Whether the lawsuit results in a settlement, dismissal, or trial, it has already intensified scrutiny of his administration and deepened divisions between City Hall and the police force—divisions that may shape Chicago’s political and public safety landscape for years to come.