Johnson Rome trip draws scrutiny amid CTA crime

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s trip to Rome to visit the Pope is drawing renewed attention to ongoing public safety concerns across the city’s transit system.

According to a statement released on May 19, Johnson traveled overseas while many Chicago residents continue to express frustration over crime, disorder, and fare evasion on Chicago Transit Authority trains and buses.

The debate comes as CTA officials face continued scrutiny over violence on public transportation, despite recent efforts to improve security.

City leaders have expanded police patrols and increased the use of K9 units throughout the transit system following a rise in violent incidents. CTA officials have also pointed to declines in certain categories of crime after implementing what they described as a “security surge,” which included ending the agency’s unarmed security guard program.

However, recent local reports indicate aggravated batteries on the transit system remain near historic highs.

Through May 10, the CTA had recorded 89 aggravated battery incidents this year, according to reports cited in local media. While some categories of violent crime reportedly declined compared to the previous year, critics argue that overall violence in the system remains significantly elevated compared with long-term historical averages.

Some observers contend the security measures were introduced largely in response to federal pressure rather than local initiative. Questions also continue surrounding the city’s investment in violence intervention programs involving non-law-enforcement personnel and whether those strategies can effectively deter crime compared to traditional policing methods.

The debate has intensified amid ongoing attacks against transit workers and passengers.

Some advocates have proposed allowing properly trained CTA employees to carry handguns for self-defense while on duty. The proposal remains controversial but reflects growing concerns about worker safety and repeated violent incidents across the transit network.

At the same time, financial pressures continue mounting for both the CTA and other city agencies, including Chicago Public Schools. Critics argue that fare evasion and persistent safety problems further strain agencies already facing major budget challenges.

As Johnson meets with religious leaders in Rome, many Chicago residents remain focused on local issues at home, particularly efforts to improve safety and reliability throughout the city’s public transportation system.