Sessions in Chicago: Don't listen to 'anti-police radicals'

Attorney General Jeff Sessions

CHICAGO (AP) - U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions told an event for Chicago police that heeding the advice of those he dubbed "radicals" when it comes to police policy results in higher rates of violent crime.

The Chicago Tribune reports Sessions addressed an annual Chicago Police Memorial Foundation vigil held at Soldier Field late Wednesday. It honors police who died on duty.

Sessions said law enforcement should set policy on crime-fighting. He said "the last thing" anyone should do is, in his words, "follow the protestations of anti-police radicals and those who have never walked a beat."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel also addressed the gathering. He's previously rebuffed the Trump administration for emphasizing a get-tough strategy on fighting crime. He's said community outreach and various social programs must be part of the solution.