One of the more troubling statistics to ring in 2017 came out of Chicago. With the murder rate increasing at an alarming rate, Donald Trump is now offering his two cents on the issue.

Trump on Chi-Town

The violence in Chicago, Illinois is no secret. Despite being a state and city run by Democrats, who are known for their support of gun control, the gang violence has only increased in the city, leading to record numbers of homicides and other gun related deaths. According to statistics released this week by the Chicago Police Department, homicides increased by 57 percent in 2016, when compared to the numbers the previous year.

In Chicago, 762 homicides were recorded, which amounts to an average of two each day. The city, which is the third largest in the country, was the home of more than 1,100 shootings in 2016, in comparison to what took place in 2015. In response, Donald Trump took to his offical Twitter account to give his thoughts.

"Chicago murder rate is record setting - 4,331 shooting victims with 762 murders in 2016," Donald Trump wrote on Twitter Monday afternoon, before adding, "If Mayor can't do it he must ask for Federal help." Trump's comment was directed at Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat who is close friend of President Obama.

In an effort to curb the violence, Emanuel added more than 1,000 police officers to the force last year, but it appears it was not enough.

One reason for the rise in violence and homicides is the increase in illegal guns making their way into the city.

As reported by Fox News on January 1, local city and police officials have pushed back against the increase of illegal guns making their way into Chicago, which increased by 20 percent in 2015.

Moving forward

While it's unknown what Donald Trump would do if the city of Chicago asked his administration for federal help, as the billionaire real estate mogul has talked tough on "law and order," but often fails to give details. Trump will be sworn into office on January 20, and only time will tell how, or if, he will handle the rise of gun violence in the city.
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