Trump: Police ‘have every right’ to protest Chicago mayor

President Trump on Friday praised Chicago police officers’ protests against Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) while condemning Emanuel’s administration for what he called unfair restrictions on police conduct.

In a tweet, the president said officers “have every right” to protest Emanuel’s policies, which they did in front of City Hall earlier this week, according to local media.

{mosads}

“Chicago Police have every right to legally protest against the mayor and an administration that just won’t let them do their job. The killings are at a record pace and tough police work, which Chicago will not allow, would bring things back to order fast…the killings must stop!” Trump tweeted.

Chicago Police have every right to legally protest against the mayor and an administration that just won’t let them do their job. The killings are at a record pace and tough police work, which Chicago will not allow, would bring things back to order fast…the killings must stop!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 25, 2018

Officers protested in front of City Hall after a civilian review board voted to punish a police officer involved in the 2015 fatal shooting of a teenager and a bystander.

Pro- and anti-police demonstrators shouted slogans in front of the building this week after the officer, Robert Rialmo, was suspended and placed on unpaid status over the shooting.

“The members feel as though the city has turned its back on police in many ways,” Fraternal Order of Police spokesman Martin Preib told a local CBS affiliate.

Trump has frequently attacked high murder rates in Chicago as a symptom of what he deems failed policies from Democrats.

The city’s murder rate jumped under the second half of the Obama administration, though the city has seen a drop in killings and shootings over the past year.

Emanuel has served as mayor of Chicago since 2011. He previously served as former President Obama’s chief of staff during his first term.