A Chicago man’s mental health episodes lead to $145,000 in damage at Trump Tower, exposing the raw nerves still inflamed by the former president’s legacy.
At a Glance
- 21-year-old Andrew Brierly accused of breaking windows at Trump Tower Chicago during mental health episodes
- Damage from incidents reached $145,000
- Brierly allegedly threw rocks, breaking six windows on October 16
- Suspect told police that seeing Trump during an episode “makes him do it”
- Judge released Brierly to await trial despite facing serious criminal charges
Trump Derangement Syndrome Turns Violent
In a shocking display of political animosity turned criminal, a young Chicago man has been accused of repeatedly vandalizing the Trump International Hotel & Tower. Andrew Brierly, 21, faces serious charges after allegedly causing $145,000 in damage during what police describe as mental health episodes triggered by the mere sight of the former president’s name.
The condition is known as “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” It’s unofficial, but we know it’s real.
On October 16, Brierly allegedly hurled rocks at the iconic Chicago skyscraper, shattering six windows. This wasn’t his first offense; a security officer recognized him from a similar incident on May 17, indicating a pattern of destructive behavior.
Multiple windows of Trump Tower Chicago damaged by vandal: policehttps://t.co/GCbbkskXxH
— NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) October 17, 2024
Mental Health Crisis or Political Vandalism?
Upon his arrest at his home, Brierly reportedly made a startling admission to police. According to the arrest report, he claimed that seeing Trump during an episode “makes him do it.” This statement raises complex questions about the nature of his actions—are they purely the result of mental illness, or is there an element of calculated political protest?
“A Chicago police supervisor noted in the report that Brierly told officers that seeing Trump while having an episode ‘makes him do it.’ Judge Deidre Dyer released Brierly to await trial,” CWB Chicago reported.
The decision by Judge Deidre Dyer to release Brierly to await trial has sparked controversy. Critics argue that this leniency sends the wrong message about the seriousness of politically motivated property damage. Brierly now faces two counts of criminal damage between $10,000 and $100,000, charges that could carry significant penalties if he’s convicted.
Public Reaction and Political Divide
Social media erupted with reactions to the news, with many condemning Brierly’s actions and the perceived soft response from the justice system. Some view the incident as a symptom of a larger problem they dub “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” where opposition to the former president manifests in extreme and irrational behavior.
“As a Trump supporter in Chicago I see Harris signs everywhere. Do I smash shit and act like a little bitch? No. I think ‘what an idiot’ shake my head and live my best life,” one poster said.
This sentiment echoes a frustration among conservatives who feel that destructive behavior from the left is too often excused or minimized. The incident at Trump Tower is seen by many as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated vandalism and violence that has plagued American cities in recent years.
How long will it take for these people to get over it and accept that half of the country doesn’t agree with them?
