Chicago Police Officers with Troubling Records Stay on Force Despite Ties to Extremist Oath Keepers

An investigation by WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project reveals that several Chicago police officers with ties to the extremist group Oath Keepers have troubling backgrounds, including allegations of excessive force, improper searches, and racist comments. Despite promises from Mayor Brandon Johnson to rid the department of extremists, at least nine officers remain on the force. The Chicago Police Department has faced criticism for its inaction and resistance to taking action against officers with ties to the Oath Keepers. The leaked membership records show that some officers promised to promote the group at work or reported that colleagues recruited them. The department is now opening a new investigation into the officers' involvement with the extremist group.