A new text alert system aims to warn Chicago residents of future “teen takeovers.” This most recent “teen takeover” occurred last weekend, in which Chicago youth wreaked havoc throughout the city, committing a litany of crimes including shootings, arson, theft, and assault.
The text alert initiative, “Parents For Chicago,” is being funded by the nonprofit, “I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot,” launched by a local, independent philanthropist. Those wishing to sign up for the alert service can text “CHICAGOKIDS” to 21000, or email
Hi, Im Early Walker; founder of the non-profit I’m Telling Don’t Shoot.
For 10 years I have stepped-up to help children impacted by gun violence in the city of Chicago with Christmas givebacks, offered rent free living, and even aided during national crises.
%90 my own Dollars! pic.twitter.com/9WR3NhR8df
— Mr. Early Walker of W&W Towing (@Early_wwtowing) January 14, 2022
While Chicago residents have decried the violence and, now, are attempting to counter it, leadership has largely defended the youths’ crimes.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot promised that the teens who committed crimes would be “dealt with,” but insisted that the community shouldn’t call the takeover “mayhem.” Three teenagers, aged 14 through 17, were shot and 15 individuals were arrested as a result of the weekend-long takeover by over 100 teens throughout the city.
“I’m not going to use your language, which I think is wrong, to say there’s ‘mayhem,’” Lightfoot told reporters.
“It’s wrong to say that it’s mayhem”
Mayor Lori Lightfoot reacts to the violent riots in Chicago this weekend: pic.twitter.com/5fTXv0nlSe
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) April 17, 2023
These teen takeovers have reportedly become an annual affair, with teens circulating invites via social media as the weather warms in the city. Around 150 teens gathered in the city last Wednesday, an apparent precursor to the weekend violence.
🚨#BREAKING: Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Downtown Chicago as Teenagers Vandalize Cars and Gunfire Erupts
📌#Chicago | #Illinois ⁰
There is currently a significant police response taking place in downtown Chicago due to a large group of teenagers causing chaos. They have been… pic.twitter.com/n7xhBpsTKs
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 16, 2023
The takeover nearly took the lives of one young couple, Devontae Johnson and Ashley Knutson, who’d been shopping downtown. The pair were assaulted and robbed by a group of teens, and required a passerby to intervene. Johnson and Knutson reported that the mob threatened to kill them.
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Knutson also alleged that the police drove by them as they were being attacked.
The woman who rescued the young couple, Lenora Davis, told Fox News that Lightfoot “sugarcoated” the takeover. Davis, who voted for Lightfoot, also said she disagreed with Lightfoot’s claim that most of the teens present in downtown were there for innocent reasons.
“I can’t be involved in any level of sugarcoating what I saw,” said Dennis. “That was mayhem.”
Lori Lightfoot said the violence frenzied teens who we’re destroying Chicago, and decided to attack a young couple walking out of Nordstroms, were just downtown enjoying the city. pic.twitter.com/N1o04rjC61
— 𝔹𝕦𝕕… (@bud_cann) April 19, 2023
Democratic Illinois state Sen. Robert Peters indicated his support for the teen takeover, preempting his comments by calling those opposed to his take as “unhinged, crime weirdo[s].”
“I would look at the behavior of young people as a political act and statement,” said Peters. “It’s a mass protest against poverty and segregation.”
Since I’m a glutton for punishment and I’m sure I’m gonna get the most unhinged, crime weirdo replies but:
I would look at the behavior of young people as a political act and statement. It’s a mass protest against poverty and segregation.
Rest in peace to my mentions.
— Robert Peters (@RobertJPeters) April 16, 2023
Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson criticized all those who spoke out against the teens involved in the takeover. Johnson insisted that the teens should be supported instead. He added that it was the city’s responsibility to create spaces for the teens to gather safely and responsibly.
“It is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities,” said Johnson. “Make sure that young people know that they’re supported.”
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson doubles down on his defense of the teen rioters who looted and beat citizens.
Here is what Johnson has had to say (so far) to these violent criminals:
“It is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities… pic.twitter.com/Z2vGe2FHEh
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 20, 2023
— Brandon Johnson (@Brandon4Chicago) April 16, 2023
Crime has only worsened over the last few years under outgoing mayor Lightfoot, prompting an exodus of businesses and residents. Just ahead of last weekend’s teen takeover, Walmart announced that it would be closing four of its stores due to poor performance.
Despite all of these developments, the Democratic National Committee chose Chicago as the site for their 2024 convention.
