Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

June 24, 2011
Video: Chicago's Top Cop Calls Federal Gun Laws Racist

 

2 min to read



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.

Ad Loading...

"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:

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

Group of men and women seated in a circle around a room as one woman stands and leads discussion.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders

Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.

Read More →
Black background with police card lights and logo for POLICE, with headline in yellow: How are LE Boots Different for Women
Patrolby Wayne ParhamApril 9, 2026

How are LE Boots Different for Women?

Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.

Read More →
Man standing in desert talking on radio.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Motorola Solutions Extends Resilient, Mission-Critical Communications and AI with T-Satellite from T-Mobile

A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Las Vegas skyline at dusk with headline 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit, dates for the event, and diagonally at bottom right words Registration Open.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Registration Now Open for 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit

Registration is now open for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with local and federal leaders, specifically the FirstNet Authority, which is hosting a track at the event this year.

Read More →
Two chest rig packs in camo in front of a blue themed SWAT background and a logo for Tasmanian Tiger.
PatrolApril 6, 2026

Tasmanian Tiger Launches Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 & Modular Chest Rig Pack for LE

Tasmanian Tiger has expanded its Modular Load-Carrying System with the new Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 and Modular Chest Rig Pack. Both provide adaptable, low-profile load options for military, law enforcement, and SWAT missions.

Read More →
Security worker watching computer monitors, with a white area at top with a logo for ZeroEyes.
PatrolApril 2, 2026

ZeroEyes Expands from AI Gun Detection to Knife Detection & Suspect Tracking

ZeroEyes has launched three new product categories to extend beyond firearms to address additional acute safety threats and basic security needs. Knife detection and suspect tracking are now also available.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
GALLS logo against a white box set atop a blue-tinted map of Tennessee.
PatrolApril 2, 2026

GALLS Acquires CMS Uniforms

GALLS has acquired CMS Uniforms and Equipment, Inc., a prominent regional provider based in Nashville, Tennessee. CMS Uniforms, founded in 2000, has built a reputation for delivering stellar customer service and managing complex uniform programs for more than 670 accounts.

Read More →
Police drone hovering over its charging nest against a blue sky background.
PatrolMarch 26, 2026

Brinc Unveils Guardian, Launching the Next Era of Drone as First Responder

Brinc’s new Guardian delivers 24/7 operations, Starlink connectivity, and a robotic charging nest that can swap batteries and change payload configurations without human intervention.

Read More →
image of trooper, shown from waist down, standing beside a police cruiser along the road and at right a headline Slow Down Move Over.
PatrolMarch 19, 2026

Colorado State Patrol Releases 2025 Struck-By Analysis

The Colorado State Patrol, after analyzing its 2025 struck-by incidents, identified one area for improvement: using traffic cones to provide advanced warning before the cruiser's location. Here is the agency’s final data.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of a group of men in business attire receiving an award set against a black background and a Streamlight logo up top.
PatrolMarch 19, 2026

Streamlight Names 144th Marketing Group Law Enforcement Sales Rep Agency of the Year

Streamlight has recognized the 144th Marketing Group as its 2025 Sales Rep Agency of the Year Award for the Law Enforcement market.

Read More →