Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
Brandon Johnson leads a protest demanding to defund the Police. Photo courtesy of the Vallas for Mayor Campaign

Johnson Refuses to Answer Whether He Would Pursue Stricter Penalties for Repeat Gun Offenders At WGN Debate 

Posted on March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 By News Editor 2 Comments on Johnson Refuses to Answer Whether He Would Pursue Stricter Penalties for Repeat Gun Offenders At WGN Debate 
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Johnson Refuses to Answer Whether He Would Pursue Stricter Penalties for Repeat Gun Offenders At WGN Debate 

Vallas also releases photo of Brandon Johnson leading a protest demanding to defund the police, an issue that he continues to deny and waterdown. Johnson also has defended looters saying that he opposed tougher crackdowns on looters because they were merely expressing the challenges they face in life

At last night’s WGN Mayoral Debate, moderator Tahman Bradley asked the candidates how they would hold repeat gun offenders accountable for their crimes.

While Paul Vallas described in detail how he would utilize federal charging statutes to take repeat gun offenders off the streets, Brandon Johnson refused to provide any answer at all, raising questions on whether or not he would prioritize prosecuting dangerous criminals to the full extent of the law. 

Below is a transcript of the exchange:

Bradley: Mr. Johnson, same question, 60 seconds, what should be the consequences for people repeatedly arrested and charged with gun crimes?

Brandon Johnson leads a protest demanding to defund the Police. Phot courtesy of the Vallas for Mayor Campaign
Brandon Johnson leads a protest demanding to defund the Police. Phot courtesy of the Vallas for Mayor Campaign

Johnson: Look, here’s the problem. Someone like Paul Vallas that wants to continue to give someone like me a lecture about what I know vs. what he knows is ridiculous, but I’m familiar with that. 

As the Chicago Tribune reported: “At one point, Johnson was asked what consequences individuals who are repeatedly charged with gun crimes should face but he did not answer the question.” 

Johnson went on to once again wrongly state that it takes two years to become a Chicago police officer, which has been thoroughly debunked by Vallas and the press. He did not address the serious issue of repeat gun offenders being let off on misdemeanors, which Vallas believes is contributing to the city’s crime problem. 

“We already know that Brandon Johnson wants to defund the police, but now he won’t even say whether he would push prosecutors to pursue all possible criminal charges against the repeat gun offenders who are terrorizing many of our communities,” said Vallas. “As Mayor I will work with the city, county, state and federal prosecutors to ensure that we are doing everything possible to put repeat violent offenders in jail and get them off our streets and away from our residents. If Brandon Johnson doesn’t agree with that, then that’s absolutely disqualifying.”  

While Brandon Johnson insists that he “never said defund the police,” his strong embrace of the radical anti-police movement continues to become even more clear. Today, the Vallas campaign is releasing a photo that recently surfaced of Johnson speaking at a rally in January 2021 standing directly in front of a “Defund CPD” banner. 

“Brandon Johnson must not think much of Chicago voters if he honestly believes that he can get away with continuing to lie to them about his clear, unequivocal support for defunding the police,” said Vallas campaign spokesman Phil Swibinski. “When pressed at a recent debate, Johnson said that his “thinking has not changed” from when he was a vocal supporter of defunding the police — the only thing that has changed is that now he’s running for Mayor and doesn’t want the voters to know about his radical, anti-law enforcement views.” 

Vallas also picked up endorsements from Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, a coalition of Latio leaders in Chicago, and from former Congressman Bobby Rush.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
News Editor
News Editor
News Editor at Suburban Chicagoland
Managing Editor and News Editor for stories published in SuburbanChicagoland
News Editor
Latest posts by News Editor (see all)
  • Court vacates order of protection, reuniting dad and daughter - September 18, 2025
  • Nick Uniejewski challenges anti-Arab Illinois State Senator Sarah Feigenholtz - September 11, 2025
  • Chicago Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Immigration Fraud - September 9, 2025
NPV: 27
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Chicago, Civil Rights, elections, News, Police Tags:Brandon Johnson, Chicago, Defund police, election, johnson defends looters, Johnson lies about defunding police, Johnson supports looters, Mayor, Paul Vallas

Post navigation

Previous Post: One fatality in Orland Hills Home fire
Next Post: Court orders ex to provide transportation so Dad can see his daughter

Related Posts

  • Goalie Garret Sparks of the Chicago Wolves. Courtesy of the Chicago Wolves.
    Wolves broadcasts return to MY50 Chicago for 2021-22 Season News
  • Dads' Rights attorney Jeffery M. Leving with State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford.
    Rep Ford joins Dads’ Rights Attorney Leving on WVON & WCPT Radio Cook County
  • Lenny Bruce courtesy of Wikipedia
    Review: I’m Not a Comedian … I’m Lenny Bruce Blogger
  • In the new ABC TV show, young rapper Courtney Rose (Brandon Micheal Hall) runs for mayor of his hometown to generate buzz for his music career. Unfortunately for Courtney, his master plan goes wildly awry, ending in the most terrifying of outcomes: An election victory.
    New TV Sitcom “The Mayor” gives politics a funny edge Books & Films
  • DuPage County Police Mug Shot: Martinez-Artigas, Estivenson
    Two Venezuelan Migrants Charged with Retail Theft from Oak Brook Macy’s in Unrelated Incidents Crime
  • Summit loses a friend News

More Related Articles

Lincoln Park High school Chicago leaders and legislators urge safer return for Chicago school students Chicago
Lyons Mayor Chris Getty. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Getty hosts forum against Soda Tax Thursday Sept. 7 Government
06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images Video Podcast on Trump’s problems with Jeffrey Epstein, Netanyahu’s coalition in jeopardy Bill Lipinski
Geese blocking road in the suburbs. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Suburbs must standup to Chicago’s Tax Grab Blogger
Police Blotter Chicago Woman Convicted on Federal Fraud and Tax Charges Chicago
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas honors Arab American Heritage Month with Samir Khalil (left), president of the Arab American Democratic Club, and Hassan Nijem, president of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Pappas commemorates Arab American Heritage Month Chicago

Comments (2) on “Johnson Refuses to Answer Whether He Would Pursue Stricter Penalties for Repeat Gun Offenders At WGN Debate ”

  1. Pingback: "The Driver's Side" – News From The Motorist's Perspective | theexpiredmeter.com
  2. Pingback: Johnson declines to respond to WGN debate on whether he would impose tougher penalties for repeat gun offenders - Illinois News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters
    October 9, 2025
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme