Last month Johnson engaged in a war of words with President Donald Trump and chose not to attend as Trump gave an address to the International Association of Chiefs of Police convention in Chicago.
Elected leaders and those seeking election routinely make statements—and enact policies—that put police officers in difficult positions at best and in danger at worst.
President Donald Trump addressed the full assembly of the International Association of Chiefs of Police on Monday in Chicago, and took the opportunity to slam Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who was conspicuously absent from the event.
"He is the president of the United States. And, the reality of this is there are plenty of times I've sat listening to speeches that I didn't care for, and I certainly didn't walk out on them," Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham said.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 board of directors has given Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson a vote of "no confidence."
“The values of the people of Chicago are more important to him than anything that could be discussed at that speech,” Chicago PD spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said shortly after the White House announced Trump’s planned address at the conference.
The Minneapolis Police Department has told its officers that they may no longer wear their uniform while attending political events when off duty.
“These incredible patriots responded to the worst violence and most barbaric hatred with the best of American courage, character and strength,” Trump said in remarks from the East Room Monday morning.
Attorney General William P. Barr delivered opening remarks Monday at the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police's 64th National Biennial Conference. He took the opportunity to voice his and the Trump Administration's support for law enforcement, and plans for how to support their mission.
“We love our Law Enforcement Officers all around this great Country. What took place in NYC with water being tossed on NYPD officers was a total disgrace,” tweeted Trump. “It is time for @NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio to STAND UP for those who protect our lives and serve us all so well …”