Video: Chicago's Top Cop Calls Federal Gun Laws Racist

During an at-times rambling speech at Saint Sabina Church earlier this month, Chicago's new top cop called federal gun laws "government-sponsored racism," said he doesn't mind being unpopular with the NRA, and criticized Sarah Palin for hunting caribou.

During an at-times rambling speech at Saint Sabina Church earlier this month, Chicago's new top cop called federal gun laws "government-sponsored racism," said he doesn't mind being unpopular with the NRA, and criticized Sarah Palin for hunting caribou.

Chicago Police Chief Garry McCarthy told parishoners he believes the easy availability of guns in the U.S. is the latest link from slavery and Jim Crow.

"Now I want you to connect one more dot on that chain of the African American history in this country, and tell me if I'm crazy: Federal gun laws that facilitate the flow of illegal firearms, into our urban centers across this country, that are killing our black and brown children," McCarthy said at a church that's known for its liberal activist pastor.

"The NRA does not like me, and I'm okay with that," McCarthy added. "We've got to get the gun debate back to center, and it's got to come with the recognition of who's paying the price for the gun manufacturers being rich and living in gated communities."

McCarthy finished his speech by recalling a day when he returned home from a crime scene to watch an episode of "Sarah Palin's Alaska."

"She was caribou hunting, and talking about the right to bear arms," he said. "Why wasn't she at the crime scene with me?"

Watch the video of McCarthy's remarks:

VIDEO: Chicago's Top Cop Calls Gun Laws Racist

About the Author