America’s third-largest city has earned the nicknamed “Chiraq” for its out-of-control violence and war zone body counts.

Seventy-one people were shot over the weekend in Chicago. Twelve of them died.

That brought the number of shooting victims this year to 1,785 — 12,601 since 2012.

In the past 365 days, gun violence in Chicago has claimed 487 lives.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel responded to the weekend’s bloodshed by saying during a news conference Tuesday that the city’s residents need an “attitudinal change.”

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One of his fellow Democrats agrees — but says that change should start with Emanuel’s attitude toward President Donald Trump.

Last year, the mayor declared Chicago a “Trump-free zone” and said the city’s motto is “a city Trump will never sleep in.” Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford said it’s time for Emanuel to end that approach and ask for the president’s help to stop the violence.

Ford made his case during an appearance Monday on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.”

“I think the mayor, he must take away the thought that Chicago is a ‘Trump-free zone,’ because taxpayers deserve to have the president come in and bring resources to the community,” he said.

La Shawn K. Ford: @RahmEmanuel must take away the thought that #Chicago is a Trump-free zone. Taxpayers deserve to have the president come in and bring resources to the community. @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/MwmMy8CkPu — Brian Kilmeade (@kilmeade) August 6, 2018

Ford said Emanuel “should be working closely with Trump, he should be working closely with the Labor Department, he should be working with the U.S. HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development), the surgeon general, because there’s so much trauma on the West and South sides of Chicago.

“We must do everything and put all hands on deck in Chicago, and you can’t do that by being divided. … As long as we are divided and fighting against the president, it’s not going to happen.”

Do you think Emanuel will heed Ford's advice and ask for Trump's help? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 9% (98 Votes) 91% (961 Votes)

Ford told the Chicago Sun-Times that he “welcomes Trump in Chicago, without a doubt.”

“To me, it’s not a Trump-free zone,” the lawmaker said. “Illinois sends more taxpayer dollars to the federal government than most states, and we have to make sure our tax dollars are being used correctly.”

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Emanuel, who was President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, has battled with Trump over illegal immigration and Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city.

The president sought to withhold federal public safety funding from the city if it refused to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. However, a U.S. district judge ruled last month that the administration doesn’t have the authority to do that.

With more and more bodies in the streets of his city, Emanuel would be wise to heed Ford’s advice, swallow his pride and ask for Trump’s help in ending the bloodshed.

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