The father of former Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, who dubbed herself “super mayor,” was critically wounded in a Chicago shooting Wednesday, prompting her to urge Illinois leaders to consider President Donald Trump’s offer to send federal resources to the city.
Henyard’s father, 65, was shot in the neck in an alley in the 1300 block of South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood around 5:54 p.m., police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition.
No arrests have been made, and detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, authorities said.
Henyard, who served as Dolton mayor from 2021 to 2025, confirmed in a social media post that the victim is her father, opening her statement by identifying herself as "SuperMayor Tiffany A. Henyard."
“My father, my hero, was an innocent victim of this random and heartbreaking violence,” Henyard posted on Facebook. “This tragedy has shaken my family to its core and unfortunately it reflects a reality that far too many families across our state are facing.”
Henyard then urged Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to reconsider their opposition to federal involvement in public safety, calling on them to accept assistance from Trump to address rising violent crime in the city.
“Across the country, communities that have welcomed federal support have experienced measurable reductions in crime. Cities such as Memphis, Tennessee; Washington, D.C. and New Orleans, Louisiana during the 2026 Mardi Gras period have all seen positive outcomes through collaboration efforts,” she wrote.
Trump deployed the National Guard to all three cities as part of a federal effort to curb crime and boost public safety. These deployments have sparked significant incidents and controversies beyond routine public‑safety operations. The most serious occurred in Washington, D.C., where two Guard members were shot, leaving one dead. In Memphis, the deployment met fierce local opposition, while New Orleans reported no major incidents.
Henyard’s plea marks a notable evolution in her political stance. Once a Democrat, Henyard has recently switched parties and is now running as a Republican candidate for a seat on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Georgia.
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Her shift follows a turbulent period in Illinois politics, during which she served as Dolton’s mayor from 2021 to 2025. In 2022, she was also appointed supervisor of Thornton Township, Illinois’ largest township, dubbing herself “super mayor” to reflect her authority over both government roles.
Henyard lost her re-election bid in 2025 by a wide margin, following mounting criticism and multiple investigations into her leadership and financial management. After 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 support for the Henyard family, saying, "We are saddened to learn of the tragic incident involving her father.”
“Our thoughts are with him as he fights toward recovery, and with his family as they navigate this moment of uncertainty and concern," House said. "We stand in unity, offering our prayers, strength, and support to Former Mayor Henyard and her loved ones."
The Independent has contacted representatives for Henyard, the City of Chicago, the Mayor’s office, as well as the White House for comment.
