Former Illinois Mayor's Father Critically Wounded in Chicago Shooting
The father of former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who famously dubbed herself the "super mayor," was critically wounded in a shooting in Chicago on Wednesday. The incident has prompted Henyard to publicly urge Illinois leaders to reconsider President Donald Trump's offer to deploy federal resources to combat violent crime in the city.
Details of the Violent Attack
According to Chicago police reports, Henyard's 65-year-old father was shot in the neck in an alley located in the 1300 block of South Kedzie Avenue within the North Lawndale neighborhood. The attack occurred at approximately 5:54 p.m., and the victim was swiftly transported to Mount Sinai Hospital where he remains in serious condition. Authorities have confirmed that no arrests have been made at this time, and detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this violent incident.
Henyard's Emotional Plea for Federal Assistance
In a heartfelt social media post, Tiffany Henyard confirmed the victim was her father, opening her statement with the identifier "SuperMayor Tiffany A. Henyard." She described her father as her hero and an innocent victim of random violence, stating that the tragedy has shaken her family to its core and reflects a grim reality faced by many families across Illinois.
Henyard then issued a direct appeal to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, urging them to reconsider their opposition to federal involvement in local public safety efforts. She called for acceptance of assistance from President Trump to address the rising tide of violent crime plaguing Chicago, citing examples from other cities where federal support has reportedly led to measurable reductions in criminal activity.
Federal Deployments and Political Evolution
President Trump has previously deployed the National Guard to cities such as Memphis, Washington D.C., and New Orleans as part of federal initiatives to curb crime and enhance public safety. These deployments have not been without controversy, including a serious incident in Washington D.C. where two Guard members were shot, resulting in one fatality. Memphis faced significant local opposition to the deployment, while New Orleans reported no major incidents during the 2026 Mardi Gras period.
This plea marks a significant evolution in Henyard's political stance. Once a prominent Democrat, she has recently switched to the Republican Party and is now campaigning for a seat on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Georgia. Her shift follows a turbulent tenure as Dolton's mayor from 2021 to 2025, during which she also served as supervisor of Thornton Township, Illinois' largest township, leading to her self-proclaimed "super mayor" title.
Political Fallout and Community Response
Henyard lost her re-election bid in 2025 by a substantial margin amid mounting criticism and multiple investigations into her leadership and financial management. Following her defeat, she relocated to Georgia, where she has reemerged on the political stage with a new party affiliation and platform. Current Dolton Mayor Jason House issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Henyard family, offering prayers and support during this difficult time.
The Independent has reached out to representatives for Henyard, the City of Chicago, the Mayor's office, and the White House for further comment on this developing situation and the broader implications for crime-fighting strategies in urban centers.
