Prairie State Wire

Dan Proft, host of "Chicago’s Morning Answer," said on X that Mayor Brandon Johnson's comments on law enforcement should be considered in discussions about Chicago's violent crime.

"We're this/close to equity under the law," said Proft, Radio Show Host. "All that's needed is to stop enforcing the law and meting out punishment. Then comes Marxist paradise. The mayor's words should be included in every story detailing the daily murder and mayhem on the streets of Chicago."

Chicago's ongoing debate over crime and policing continues to be contentious, balancing enforcement with reform. According to the Associated Press, leaders are divided over whether to deploy measures such as the National Guard or invest in community programs. The Illinois SAFE-T Act’s bail reforms have drawn scrutiny. Families of victims often advocate for prevention rather than militarization, highlighting the city's struggle to reconcile declining crime rates with concerns about fairness and equity.

The Center for Public Safety Initiatives reported that Chicago recorded 573 homicides in 2024, marking its lowest total in five years. The Illinois Policy Institute noted approximately 28,443 violent crimes that year, with aggravated assaults reaching a 20-year high. The Chicago Police Department’s "2024 in Review" confirmed that homicides were down 8%, shootings decreased by 7%, and shooting victims fell by 4% compared to 2023, indicating measurable improvement since pandemic peaks.

According to the Council on Criminal Justice, Chicago's violent crime peaked around 2020-2021 but has since declined sharply. Aggravated assaults decreased by 16% between June 2024 and June 2025, while gun assaults dropped by 27% in early 2025 compared to the previous year—a steeper decline than many large cities. Despite this progress, Chicago's violent crime rate still exceeds the average for major U.S. metropolitan areas, underscoring persistent public safety challenges.

Proft was born in 1972 and is a conservative commentator who ran in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary. He advocates for free-market reforms and co-founded the Chicago Contrarian. A graduate of Northwestern University (B.A.) and Loyola University Chicago School of Law (J.D.), he frequently comments on fiscal issues, education policy, and state politics.

"Chicago’s Morning Answer" is a weekday radio show on AM 560 The Answer featuring news, political talk, and cultural commentary. According to the station’s official site, it has been co-hosted by Proft and until 2025 Amy Jacobson. The program offers a conservative perspective on local and national issues and reaches its audience through live broadcast and podcast formats.