FBI Warns Gangs are Targeting Chicago Officers

A federal intelligence alert has been sent to Chicago-area law enforcement with an ominous warning: nearly three dozen street gangs "have formed a pact to 'shoot on-sight any cop that has a weapon drawn on any subject in public.'"

The "situational information report" from FBI officials in Chicago dated August 26, 2020, was obtained by WLS News . It states, in part, "members of these gang factions have been actively searching for, and filming, police officers in performance of their official duties. The purpose of which is to catch on film an officer drawing his/her weapon on any subject and the subsequent 'shoot on-sight' of said officer, in order to garner national media attention."

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said there is an overall "sense of lawlessness" currently being dealt with by those who serve and protect. Although not commenting directly on the FBI alert, Brown on Monday said the danger to police officers is real and increasing.

"I think it's bigger than a suggestion," Supt. Brown said. "I think 51 officers being shot at or shot in one year, I think that quadruples any previous year in Chicago's history. So I think it's more than a suggestion that people are seeking to do harm to cops."