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FOP President John Catanzara Jr. Issues Letter To President Trump, Asking For Help From Federal Government In Fighting 'Chaos'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara Jr. issued a letter to President Donald Trump on Saturday, asking for help from the federal government to fight "chaos" in Chicago and calling Mayor Lori Lightfoot a "complete failure."

The letter was posted on the FOP Lodge 7 Facebook page on Saturday, with a note that it would "get to President Trump's desk one way or another."

This is the letter that will get to President Trump's desk one way or another.

Posted by Fraternal Order of Police: Chicago Lodge No. 7 on Saturday, July 18, 2020

In the letter, Catanzara wrote: "I am certain you are aware of the chaos currently affecting our city on a regular basis now. I am writing to formally ask you for help from the federal government. Mayor Lightfoot has proved to be a complete failure who is either unwilling or unable to maintain law and order here."

Catanzara wrote that he would be willing to sit down anytime with President Trump and "discuss ideas about how we can bring civility back to the streets of Chicago."

"These politicians are failing the good men and women of this city and this police department," he wrote.

Catanzara also noted that for a few years, he has "proudly and repeatedly" spoken in the City Council chambers wearing "Trump 45" gear, and wrote that whether the mayor was Rahm Emanuel or Lori Lightfoot, he has "pushed back on their failing liberal policies."

He wrote that he believes President Trump's help and cooperation "could make a big difference and rally the silent majority to say enough is enough."

In response to the letter, Mayor Lightfoot's office said: "We will not dignify this or any other political stunt. We will, however, continue to support the true, hard working men and women of the police department."

Catanzara's letter came a day after violent protests in Grant Park, as demonstrators tried to take down the statue of Christopher Columbus in the park.

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