On Thursday, a significant development unfolded at Chicago City Hall as Garien Gatewood, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, was relieved of his duties. This unexpected change has sparked curiosity and questions about the reasons behind his departure.
In the wake of Gatewood’s dismissal, he has decided to speak out about the circumstances surrounding his sudden exit. This has prompted reactions from various community leaders, who are now voicing their concerns over the implications of this leadership transition.
ABC7 Chicago sought clarification from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office. In response, the office issued a statement announcing that Jason Sanford, the first deputy, will temporarily assume the role of interim deputy mayor of community safety. The statement also assured that a permanent replacement would be appointed promptly.
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The removal of Gatewood, who played a pivotal role in overseeing public safety for the mayor’s office, has left many questioning the motivations behind this decision. As the story develops, the focus remains on the impact this change will have on the city’s approach to community safety.
The office provided ABC7 with a statement, saying “first deputy Jason Sanford will serve as interim deputy mayor of community safety” and “the mayor’s office will provide a replacement swiftly.”
ABC7 spoke with former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Garien Gatewood about what happened, as there was also reaction from community leaders who are expressing concerns.
This is the time of year when the mayor’s office, police and other agencies begin turning their attention to summer and plans to prevent violence. So, the timing of the firing of Garien Gatewood is particularly troubling for some, and confusing for Gatewood himself.
“I went in for a meeting… and when I went in for a meeting, they said, ‘We’re going in a different direction,’ and they terminated me,” Gatewood said.
Gatewood was still stunned Thursday night after getting unceremoniously fired from his job as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety.
“Our office was remarkably successful in what we were doing,” Gatewood said. “I do not believe their actual reason was wanting to change policy.”
Gatewood was known for always showing up when major crimes happened, like the nightclub shooting last summer where four people were killed, another 14 shot. Sources say he was frustrated that others in the administration, including the mayor, did not always do the same.
“There is a culture on the fifth floor where if you work to hold people accountable, you become a target,” Gatewood said. “This is a rinse, wash and repeat. You have seen this cycle play out so many times across this particular administration, and it’s unfortunate.”
And it is disconcerting for community leaders who have watched violent crime go down, as the mayor has made public safety a top priority.
“Well, if they’re going in a good direction, then why do you get how do you get rid of your public safety person?” St. Sabina Church’s Fr. Michael Pfleger said. “It’s concerning to me.”
“The timing is bad, the way this was handled was bad, with the decision to remove someone who was very effective in his role is bad,” said 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins 2nd Ward, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee.
It just shows a level of chaos and disorganization behind the scenes of this administration on a matter of great importance, like public safety.
Some community leaders, including Father Pfleger, are planning to hold a press conference Friday to further voice their concerns and call for an explanation for such a high profile firing.
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