Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot shot back at McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski on Wednesday for comments he made about surging crime in Chicago, where the fast food chain is headquartered.
Kempczinski complained about the city’s crime at an event at the Economic Club of Chicago, noting that came was effecting the chain’s restaurants in the area and curbing their ability to make corporate hires.
“Everywhere I go, I’m confronted by the same question these days — what’s going on in Chicago? While it may wound our civic pride to hear it, there is a general sense out there that our city is in crisis,” Kempczinski said. (RELATED: ‘Public Safety In Chicago Is A Joke,’ Chicago Democrat Says)
Lightfoot responded to Kempczinski at a post-City Council press conference.
“What would’ve been helpful is for the McDonald’s CEO to educate himself before he spoke,” Lightfoot said.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on McDonald’s chief raising crime concerns: “What would’ve been helpful is for the McDonald’s CEO to educate himself before he spoke.”
— Gregory Pratt (@royalpratt) September 21, 2022
Total violent crime complaints are up 37% over the last 12 months, according to Chicago Police Department crime stats. The Chicago crime rate is 3,926 per 100,000 people, which is 67% higher than the national average.