Former Dolton Mayor Calls for Federal Assistance to Address Crime

Tiffany Henyard urges Illinois governor and Chicago mayor to collaborate with Trump administration to improve public safety

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:06am

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Tiffany Henyard, the former mayor of Dolton, Illinois, is calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to accept federal assistance from the Trump administration to help address the ongoing gun violence crisis in the state. Henyard's plea comes after her father was shot and seriously injured in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood. The former mayor, who is now running for office in Georgia, argues that cities that have welcomed federal support have seen measurable reductions in crime.

Why it matters

Henyard's call for federal intervention highlights the growing concerns over public safety in Illinois, particularly in Chicago, where gun violence has continued to plague many communities. The former mayor's personal connection to the issue adds weight to her demands for stronger action and collaboration between state, local, and federal authorities to find solutions.

The details

In a statement, Henyard said her family has been 'directly affected by the senseless gun violence' and that her 'father, my hero, was an innocent victim of this random and heartbreaking violence.' She urged Pritzker and Johnson to 'seriously reconsider federal assistance from President Donald Trump' to help address the violence crisis, citing examples of other cities that have seen positive outcomes through collaborative efforts with federal law enforcement.

  • On March 25, 2026, Henyard's 65-year-old father was shot in the neck while in an alley in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood.
  • Henyard issued her statement calling for federal assistance on March 26, 2026, the day after the shooting incident involving her father.

The players

Tiffany Henyard

The former mayor of Dolton, Illinois, who is now running for office in Georgia as a Republican. Henyard is the supervisor of Thornton Township and her family was directly impacted by the gun violence in Chicago when her father was shot.

J.B. Pritzker

The current governor of Illinois, whom Henyard is urging to reconsider accepting federal assistance from the Trump administration to address the state's crime issues.

Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago, whom Henyard is also calling on to collaborate with the federal government to improve public safety in the city.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whose administration Henyard is suggesting should provide federal assistance to Illinois and Chicago to help reduce crime.

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What they’re saying

“My family has been directly affected by the senseless gun violence that continues to plague Illinois. My father, my hero, was an innocent victim of this random and heartbreaking violence. This tragedy has shaken my family to its core, and, unfortunately, it reflects a reality that far too many families across our state are facing.”

— Tiffany Henyard, Former Mayor of Dolton, Illinois

“The ongoing gun violence in the city of Chicago has made too many of our communities feel unsafe. It reinforces the urgent need for stronger action and meaningful solutions.”

— Tiffany Henyard, Former Mayor of Dolton, Illinois

“Across the country, communities that have welcomed federal support have experienced measurable reductions in crime. Cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; Washington, D.C.; and New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 2026 Mardi Gras period, have all seen positive outcomes through collaborative efforts.”

— Tiffany Henyard, Former Mayor of Dolton, Illinois

What’s next

Henyard is urging Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson to reconsider accepting federal assistance from the Trump administration to help address the ongoing gun violence crisis in Illinois. The judge overseeing the case involving Henyard's father's shooting will decide in the coming days whether to grant the alleged perpetrator bail.

The takeaway

Henyard's personal experience with gun violence in her family has prompted her to call for greater collaboration between state, local, and federal authorities to find solutions to the public safety challenges facing Illinois communities. Her plea highlights the growing frustration over the persistence of crime and the desire for decisive action to improve security and protect innocent lives.