Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown resigned on Wednesday, just one day after Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost a re-election bid in the Windy City.
Brown served as Chicago’s top police officer for two years, a tenure marred by escalating violence and stalled progress on police reforms, the same problems that led to Lightfoot becoming the city’s first sitting mayor not to be re-elected for four decades.
Brown said in his resignation letter that he would take a job at a Texas-based personal injury law firm, the Chicago Tribune reported.
“I will continue to pray that all officers return home safely to their families at the end of their shift,” said Brown, 62. “May the good Lord bless the city of Chicago and the men and women who serve and protect this great city.”
Lightfoot said in a statement that his resignation would take effect on March 16.
“I have accepted your resignation and want to congratulate you on your accomplishments, not just for the department but for the entire city, including setting a record number of illegal gun requisitions for two consecutive years,” she wrote.
“I want to personally thank you for your service to our city. First Deputy Eric Carter will be named acting superintendent until the new mayor is sworn in.”
Lightfoot, 60, who has been criticized for failing to curb crime in the Second City, received just 16.4 percent of the vote, behind former Chicago schools head Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, in Tuesday’s vote. Vallas and Johnson go to the ballot.
“I will support and pray for our next mayor,” Lightfoot said in his concession speech.
