Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson suggested to attendees at a church appearance that he will be firing several city employees within his administration. The musing reportedly stunned those in attendance at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church on Monday night.

Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee is retiring, OEMC director Jose Tirado is "transitioning out" and COPA chief Andrea Kersten is resigning.

Johnson's ominous warning before a church audience Monday night has fueled speculation about a high-level political purge as the struggling rookie mayor approaches the midterm mark.