Overview
- Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office confirmed Gatewood’s termination and said First Deputy Jason Sanford will serve as interim deputy mayor of community safety.
- Gatewood says he was given no reason beyond a shift in direction and credits his tenure with helping drive homicides to a multi-decade low.
- Reporting by the Sun-Times cites sources who allege a deteriorating team environment and self-promotion by Gatewood; he denies the claims, and a policy adviser said she saw no hostility.
- Manuel Whitfield, the director of violence prevention and a top deputy on Gatewood’s team, was also fired, and sources said Gatewood declined an option to resign.
- Ald. Matt O’Shea criticized the move and praised Gatewood’s presence after violent incidents, while the mayor has not elaborated beyond a brief statement pledging continued public-safety investments.