Fired Eddie Johnson (left) with Mayor Lori Lightfoot (center) earlier this year
CHICAGO – Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot held a press conference Monday morning to announce she had fired Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson "for cause," "effective immediately."
Johnson had announced earlier this year he would be retiring effective January 1, 2020, but that wasn't soon enough for Lightfoot.
"Today I am announcing that I terminated Eddie Johnson's employment as superintendent of the Chicago Police Department for cause, effective immediately," she said. "Upon review of the Investigator General's investigation regarding events of October 16 and early morning hours of October 17 thereafter, it's become clear Mr. Johnson became engaged in a series of actions that are intolerable for any leader in a position of trust, particularly head of the Chicago Police Department…"
Johnson was found asleep at the wheel at an intersection near his home on October 16th, and he admitted to a couple of drinks with dinner earlier that evening.
At first, the mayor showed support for Johnson, but things changed. She refused to tell reporters exactly what she learned that led to the sudden termination.
Last month, Johnson embarrassed President Trump by refusing to attend a police chief convention held in Chicago.
"There is one person that is not here today in Chicago. More than anyone else, this person should be here – because mabybe he could learn something. A few days ago, 'the values of the people of Chicago are more important than anything President Trump would say.' I don't think so .. That's a very insulting statement after all I've done for the police …"
Trump went on to list deadly statistics of violence in Chicago since Johnson was police chief, criticized the say Chicago handled the Jussie Smollett case and the city's sanctuary status.
A video of President Trump's comments criticizing Johnson HERE.
