Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling discuss curfew at meeting with 40 other American mayors in Chicago
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Forty American mayors and police chiefs met in Chicago on Monday to discuss the future of public safety.

The conference was held by the United States Conference of Mayors organization.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and police Superintendent Larry Snelling hosted dozens of public leaders at the J.W. Marriott downtown.

During the meeting, mayors and police chiefs talked about what practices have helped reduce crime in each of their cities.

Johnson and Snelling spoke about the rolling curfews placed in some Chicago neighborhoods in an effort to reduce teen violence.

A compromise curfew ordinance could face its first test this week during a City Council committee meeting on Wednesday.

The aim is to help police curb teen takeovers that have caused problems in several parts of the city.

Johnson still has reservations, but Snelling said it’s a tool that will help with public safety.

RELATED | Chicago police use new tactics in Streeterville to prevent violence during ‘teen takeovers’

Johnson said his team is working on the compromise legislation, but he made it clear Monday he’s not a fan of curfews because he doesn’t believe they solve the problem they are meant to address.

Chicago police used a major show of force earlier this month to deter a planned teen takeover in Streeterville. A revised curfew ordinance in the works would give police the power to impose snap curfews, wherever and whenever needed, to prevent takeovers that involve 20 or more people.

“Chicago Police Department and our police officers are dedicated to keeping everyone safe in this city. And if that means that this would be a tool that could help us get there, then I would utilize that, too, but we would do it constitutionally,” Snelling said Monday.

Snelling said language is being worked out for how police would notify impacted communities. But the draft ordinance also would allow police to impose preventative curfews based on intelligence about planned gatherings.

“We want to prevent young teens who are coming down to wreak havoc on the city, to not form up,” Snelling said.

Despite the fact that an earlier curfew for unaccompanied minors has been effective at preventing teen takeovers in Millennium Park, Johnson remains skeptical.

“So, this is about keeping people safe. I brought people together to come with a plan that ensures maximum safety. And, you know, we’ll see what that product ultimately looks like,” Johnson said.

A coalition of justice and civil rights groups sent a letter to City Council members opposing the revised curfew, saying it won’t work and is discriminatory.

“We’re talking about young people, who some people don’t want in particular kinds of neighborhoods in the city. That’s what really is at the core of this,” said Ed Yohnka, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.

But after two recent takeovers resulted in shootings, Alderman Brian Hopkins says something has to be done to further empower police.

“Frankly, I just don’t see how anyone can say we should look the other way and not do anything when 200 teenagers with no adult supervision take over a part of the city,” said Hopkins, 2nd Ward alderman and chairman of the Public Safety Committee.

If the new curfew proposal passes out of the Public Safety Committee this Wednesday, Alderman Hopkins says it would go before the full City Council next week, and he already had 31 alders signal their support for it.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
American Airlines plane landing.

Disturbing Mayday Call from American Airlines Pilot Highlights Aircraft’s Multiple Issues

Frightening audio recordings reveal the intense moment when an American Airlines pilot…
Zelenskyy seeks 'strong reaction' from US if Putin is not ready for bilateral meeting

Zelenskyy urges US to strongly respond if Putin declines bilateral meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his desire for a “strong reaction”…
Photo of Danna Angelina Munoz Rayon.

Remains of Missing 21-Year-Old Mother Discovered in Garden After Family Gets Ominous Messages from Unknown Source

The body of a 21-year-old missing mother was discovered buried in a…
NY appeals court throws out $500M penalty against Trump in Letitia James civil case

New York Appeals Court Overturns $500 Million Fine Against Trump in Letitia James Civil Lawsuit

An appellate court has dismissed the $500 million civil fraud penalty imposed…
Black and white photo of Donald Trump pointing at Vladimir Putin.

“Alleged Time Traveler Seen in Photo of Trump Pointing at Putin”

SOCIAL media sleuths say they have spotted a time traveller after Donald…
Judge says former Trump lawyer Alina Habba has been unlawfully serving as US attorney in New Jersey

Judge Rules Ex-Trump Lawyer Alina Habba Illegally Practiced Law as a US Attorney in New Jersey

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — A judge decided on Thursday that Alina Habba, who…
Trial date set for Austin Metcalf’s suspected killer in track meet stabbing

Judge Imposes Gag Order in Austin Metcalf’s Teen Murder Case: A Chronological Overview

The judge presiding over the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, who faces…
Ex-LA fire chief lodges claim against city, accusing mayor Karen Bass of 'smear campaign'

Former LA Fire Chief Files Complaint Against City, Alleging Mayor Karen Bass Ran a ‘Smear Campaign’

Kristin Crowley, the former Los Angeles Fire Chief, has filed a claim…
Retired Washington state detective who survived on-duty shooting found dead after Montana boating incident

Former Washington State Detective Who Survived On-Duty Shooting Found Dead Following Boating Accident in Montana

A former detective from Washington state, who survived a shooting while on…
Scorpion on clothing.

20-Year-Old Student Stung by Scorpion in Zara Changing Room, Leading to Urgent Hospital Visit

A STUDENT was rushed to hospital after being stung by a scorpion…
Shattered glass in a door.

Villanova University on Lockdown Due to Active Shooter Concerns Shortly After 1,800 Students Move In

STUDENTS at Villanova University are sheltering in place after reports of an…
California Gov. Newsom signs legislation calling special election on redrawn congressional map

California Governor Newsom Approves New Congressional Map and Special Election

SACRAMENTO, Calif (AP) — In November, California voters will deliberate on a…