Chicago Aldermen Urge Mayor to Remove Aide Over Controversial Antisemitic and Anti Cop Remarks

Calls for the dismissal of Kennedy Bartley intensify due to allegations of antisemitic language, anti-police comments

Kennedy Bartley, top aid to Chicago Mayor, who aldermen are saying should be fired due to antisemitic and anti-police commentsPhoto byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO - Several Chicago aldermen are urging Mayor Brandon Johnson to dismiss one of his top aides, Kennedy Bartley, following accusations of antisemitic remarks and inflammatory statements about law enforcement. The controversy stems from Bartley's comments on social media and during a 2021 podcast, which have sparked concern among city officials.

During the podcast, Bartley discussed the death of a Black man in police custody, stating, "If I die at the hands of the (expletive) pigs, don't name (expletive) after me. I would be honored if it got more folks to abolition." These remarks were particularly upsetting to 10th Ward Alderman Pete Chico, a former Chicago police officer. “I thought about the men and women who serve daily, especially those who worked long hours during the DNC," he said.

Bartley has since apologized for her comments, reaching out to several aldermen, including Brian Hopkins, chair of the Public Safety Committee. Hopkins explained, "She walked those comments back and said that her interactions with police officers at City Hall have changed her perspective."

Alderman Deborah Silverstein of the 50th Ward has also called for Bartley’s removal, citing a tweet she posted two days after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Silverstein claimed the tweet contained antisemitic language and noted Bartley's participation in a group that heckled her during a ceasefire resolution discussion.

Despite these allegations, Mayor Johnson recently promoted Bartley to lead the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, expressing continued support for her. "Kennedy is a very competent individual," Johnson stated, indicating no plans to take action against her.