Savannah's Mayor Faces Backlash for Bizarre Response to Acid Attack

Savannah, Georgia, USA,Wed Dec 17 2025
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In a recent incident, a woman named Ashley Wasielewski suffered severe burns after being doused with acid in Savannah's Forsyth Park. The attacker, still unidentified, approached her from behind and poured the chemical on her. The victim, who did not know the assailant, is now receiving treatment for third-degree burns. The city's mayor, Van Johnson, came under fire for his dismissive response to a concerned resident's inquiry about the city's support for the victim. The resident asked if the mayor had visited the park or reached out to the victim to offer assistance. Instead of addressing the concerns, Johnson replied with a snide comment, suggesting the resident "take a nap. " This is not the first time Johnson's actions have sparked controversy. He served as an elector for the 2020 Presidential Election and was re-elected as mayor with a significant majority in 2023. Despite his popularity, his recent remarks have raised questions about his commitment to the city's safety and well-being.
The incident has reignited discussions about public safety and the mayor's role in addressing such crimes. Critics argue that Johnson's response was inappropriate and that he should have shown more empathy and concern for the victim. Supporters, however, point to his electoral success as a sign of his popularity and effectiveness as a leader. As the search for the suspect continues, the community is left wondering about the mayor's priorities and his commitment to supporting victims of such heinous crimes. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership in times of crisis and the need for elected officials to address the concerns of their constituents with empathy and compassion.
https://localnews.ai/article/savannahs-mayor-faces-backlash-for-bizarre-response-to-acid-attack-94fd920d

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