Boston Mayor Michelle Wu faces intense criticism after offering condolences to knife-wielding attacker shot by off-duty police officer at Chick-fil-A

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is once again at the center of controversy—this time for her response to a deadly encounter between an off-duty police officer and a knife-wielding suspect.

Instead of immediately acknowledging the officer’s quick actions to prevent a potential tragedy, Wu’s first statement extended condolences to the attacker’s family, sparking widespread criticism.

The Incident at Chick-fil-A

The chaos unfolded on Saturday evening at a Chick-fil-A in Copley Square when two people ran into the restaurant seeking refuge.

They were being pursued by a man armed with a knife, who appeared intent on attacking them.

Fortunately, an off-duty Boston police officer was inside the restaurant at the time.

According to authorities, the officer identified himself, ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, and, after the suspect refused, fired his gun to neutralize the threat.

The attacker was later pronounced dead at the hospital, while the officer was evaluated for any potential injuries.

No other injuries were reported.

Mayor Wu’s Response Sparks Outrage

During a press conference later that evening, Mayor Wu addressed the situation but immediately focused on expressing condolences for the deceased suspect.

“My condolences and all of our thoughts are with the family of the individual whose life has been lost,” Wu stated.

“I am also thinking of all the people who were impacted here today in one of the busier parts of the city with this tragedy.

I’m glad the officer is safe and very grateful for a quick response from all of our first responders.”

However, many found it troubling that her first statement didn’t explicitly commend the officer’s actions or acknowledge the victims who had been targeted.

Social media quickly erupted with backlash, with users questioning why she appeared to prioritize sympathy for the attacker over concern for the intended victims.

Social Media Reaction

Critics did not hold back.

“An off-duty police officer in Boston saved lives on Saturday by neutralizing a knife-wielding maniac who chased two people into a Chick-fil-A.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reacted by bizarrely giving condolences TO THE ATTACKER.

Democrat leaders treat criminals as victims,” one user wrote.

Another echoed similar frustration: “The Boston Mayor is offering her condolences to the family of the victims… wait never mind, she’s offering condolences to the person who tried to MURDER people. WTF??”

Some also pointed out the lack of direct acknowledgment for the officer or the victims.

“These so-called political leaders are despicable.

How about thoughts and prayers for the cop and his family who acted bravely to save our citizens?” one person commented.

Others accused Wu of prioritizing politics over public safety.

“They tell you who they really care about… certainly NOT the tourists visiting Boston nor the victims of the attempted stabbings.”

Wu’s Upcoming Congressional Testimony

This controversy comes at a pivotal moment for Wu, as she is set to testify before Congress on March 5 regarding Boston’s approach to immigration enforcement.

Former Trump administration official Tom Homan has been vocal in his criticism of Boston’s stance on immigration, calling out both Wu and Police Commissioner Michael Cox for refusing to cooperate with federal deportation efforts.

“The police commissioner of Boston [Michael Cox]. You said you’d double down on not helping law enforcement officers with ICE. I’m coming to Boston and I’m bringing hell with me,” Homan warned in late February.

Wu, in response, dismissed Homan’s remarks as uninformed. “It’s pretty clueless for someone to be insulting our police commissioner,” she said at an event, reaffirming that Boston remains “welcoming and safe for everyone.”

She reinforced this message in a Spanish-language radio interview, assuring listeners that the city has not seen an increase in ICE activity under the current administration.

A Pattern of Controversial Decisions?

This isn’t the first time Wu has faced criticism for her leadership approach.

In late 2023, she made headlines after hosting a “no whites” Christmas party for “electeds of color”—a move that many branded as divisive and exclusionary.

Now, her response to the Chick-fil-A incident has reignited the debate over her priorities and political stance.

As Wu prepares to address Congress, the question remains: Will she continue to defend her policies amid increasing scrutiny, or will public backlash force a shift in her approach?

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