More Chicago politicians are reacting to Police Superintendent Jody Weis’ meeting with gang members.

Mayor Richard Daley and Alderman Walter Burnett are defending the secret meeting that took place between Weis and West Side gang members to stop violence.

Burnett says gang members have reached out to him since Weis’ meeting.

BURNETT: I think what Weis just did has motivated these guys to come out of the woodwork. So that they don’t have to worry about getting their cars taken, their homes taken or being blamed for these young people. So now, these guys want to help solve the problem.

Alderman Willie Cochran says by directly meeting with gang members the Superintendent was showing the public he’s extremely serious about the situation.

Several aldermen were critical of the meeting when news of it broke over the weekend.