Pastor Corey Brooks, a resident of Chicago’s South Side, has endorsed Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard in the city, citing an escalating crisis of violence. In a recent article, Brooks emphasizes that the South Side has become a ‘war zone,’ with 617 homicides and over 2,000 shootings recorded in 2023. The pastor attributes this violence to a combination of factors, including the influence of post-1960s liberalism, the failure of current leadership, and systemic issues like lack of education and employment opportunities.
While acknowledging the National Guard as a temporary solution, Brooks argues for a long-term approach rooted in community-based programs and faith-based mentoring. His nonprofit, Project H.O.O.D., has already made strides in providing job training, mentorship, and life skills development to young people at risk of being drawn into gangs. Brooks maintains that while the National Guard can provide immediate security, true transformation of the city requires a focus on rebuilding families and restoring hope through community initiatives.
The pastor also criticizes Democratic leaders, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, for what he perceives as inadequate and politically motivated responses to the crisis. Trump’s recent executive order targeting Illinois for its cashless bail policy further underscores the contentious political dynamics at play. With violence escalating and crime rates seemingly resistant to change, Brooks argues that the time for action is now, and that the nation must prioritize both immediate security and long-term community renewal to address the root causes of the crisis.