Chicago Mayor Richard Daley says gang members have the right to complain to the media.

Several former gang members held a press conference yesterday responding to a meeting Police Superintendent Jody Weis had with gang members. Weis gave a warning that if the violence doesn’t stop, police will target the gang leaders. 

Daley says he can’t stop anyone from speaking out.

DALEY: Everybody complains about the police. But again, it’s America. You can complain about anything.

Daley has previously defended Weis’ decision to hold the meeting with gang leaders. That’s in spite of criticism from several aldermen and community members.