Chicago mayor mocked for suing automakers for car thefts: 'Criminals run rampant' but it's a 'Kia problem'
Mayor Brandon Johnson has sued two automakers for lack of theft prevention features as car crimes surge 104%
By Bailee Hill Fox News
Published August 28, 2023 9:44am EDT
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing backlash after filing suit against Kia and Hyundai over claims they manufactured cars that lacked appropriate anti-theft measures, ultimately leading to a surge in car crimes.
Democratic Alderman Raymond Lopez mocked Johnson over the lawsuit on "Fox & Friends," calling the move a "play from a socialist playbook" as crime continues to ravage streets in the Windy City.
"Clearly, we don't have a crime problem. We have a Kia problem in the city of Chicago, according to Mayor Johnson," Lopez told Steve Doocy on Monday. "The numbers speak for themselves. 104% increase from last year, a 234% increase in vehicle thefts from two years ago, but yet it's the car's fault."
"It's the fact that they are so easily taken by criminals who run rampant in the city of Chicago, but we have yet to hear our mayor say anything, one word, about the criminals running rampant in our streets," he continued. "And all he does in turn is lambast the media, lambast those who try to hold criminals accountable by playing word games."
Johnson's office announced the lawsuit last week alleging that both companies failed to include "industry-standard engine immobilizers" in several models of vehicles, which resulted in a "steep rise" in crime.
The lawsuit claims the automakers did not include "vital anti-theft technology" in their U.S. cars between 2011 and 2022, and it did so while misleading customers that the vehicles had "advanced safety features."
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