Mayor Lori Lightfoot has begun her announcement, and is decrying the toll gun violence has taken on Chicago.

"That is an outrage I am determined to fix," Lightfoot said, adding that law enforcement is not the only solution, but is part of the solution.

Lightfoot praises Interim Supt. Charlie Beck "as a cop's cop" and says he served Chicago in "its time of need."

"I have no adequate words to express my personal gratitude," Lightfoot says, fighting back tears. "But I will say thank you."

Lightfoot thanks the Chicago Police Board for picking three finalists — which they did 24 hours ago.

Lightfoot praises @Chief_KZiman for breaking the glass ceiling at the Aurora Police Department, and lauds her accomplishments as chief.

Lightfoot notes that Chicago has never had a female chief. "And you know I know a thing about firsts," she adds. Lightfoot is Chicago's first gay mayor and the first Black woman to serve as mayor.

JUST IN: Former Dallas Police Department David Brown is Lightfoot's pick for Chicago Police superintendent.

Ernest Cato, the only finalist to come from within CPD, also wins praise from the mayor for reducing crime while working with the community and anti-violence groups.

Lightfoot is ticking off the highlights of Brown's 30-year career in Dallas. Brown's partner was killed in the line of duty in August 1998, and his brother also died violently. In addition, Brown's son was killed by police after killing another officer.

As Lightfoot speaks, the @ACLUofIL welcomes Brown to Chicago. He "will need to be laser-focused on acting within the requirements of the consent decree the City reached with the Illinois Attorney General to improve policing in every neighborhood of Chicago. (con't)

"That decree is the best opportunity for reform in more than a half century. Recent court filings show that CPD already is behind on key reforms. We're prepared to work with, and if necessary, hold accountable the new superintendent to ensure that reform is real in Chicago.”

Lightfoot is recounting this story: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/09/us/dallas-police-shooting.html

"So why David Brown?" Lightfoot asks rhetorically. "Chicago needs this humble leader."

"We are Chicago, and we deserve the best," Lightfoot says. "In this moment, David Brown is the best."

Brown begins his remarks by expressing his condolences on the death of "Officer Franco." Officer Marco Di Franco died today of coronavirus, the mayor announced this morning.

Brown says he "has a fire in his bones" to protect and serve. "I am incredibly proud to serve Chicago, Chi-town, the Windy City."

Chicago is a lot like Dallas: "strong, proud and tough," with good barbecue, Brown says.

"David Brown, reporting for duty," he says, as he welcomes Beck to the lectern.

Beck says it has been an honor to lead the Chicago Police Department for 4 1/2 months, and then says his greatest honor was leading the men and women of the "Los Angel — Chicago Police Department." "I thought I'd do that one more time for everyone."

Chicago Police Board President Ghian Foreman notes that this search began "unexpectedly" and is now concluded in the midst of a pandemic.

Brown says he believes in community oversight, but will leave it to the City Council to reshape its form. [That push was on the verge of a vote, just before the pandemic hit.]

"I believe he will be the kind of leader who inspire the men and women of the Chicago Police Department," Lightfoot says of Brown.

Lightfoot says this decision is one of the most important she will make as mayor. "This is a hard job," Lightfoot says. "But it is a great job."

"I spent a lot of time with this decision," Lightfoot says. "I wanted to make sure that we got this right."

Lightfoot thought carefully about choosing an outsider to lead CPD, but said she chose the right leader. "Insider, outsider, I just wanted to make sure I got the right leader," Lightfoot said.

The City Council has to approve Brown's nomination as police superintendent. Lightfoot says she hopes he will be confirmed in April.

Lightfoot says she will look to Brown to hold officers accountable and reduce the millions

Brown: "We will be in compliance with the consent decree." Brown says he has read all 800 pages. "It is quite voluminous."