Chicago experienced a violent Fourth of July weekend, with over 100 people shot and 19 fatalities reported across the city, according to various sources.
The shootings occurred throughout the extended holiday weekend from Wednesday to Monday. Three mass shootings were reported during this period, leaving many families in grief and distress.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his condolences for the victims and their families during a press conference on Monday. He urged communities to come forward with information on shootings and pressed for solutions to keep the community safe. Johnson has also asked for more resources from the federal government to help invest in community resources.
CPD Supt. Larry Snelling echoed Johnson's sentiments, urging public cooperation and tips to help detectives identify suspects responsible for shootings, especially those who harm women and children.
The youngest victim was an 8-year-old boy who was killed along with two female relatives in a shooting at a home in the Grand Crossing neighborhood on July 4. Two other boys, aged 5 and 7, were also injured in that shooting.
An emergency assistance center will be set up Tuesday at Fosco Park where community organizations will provide support resources to locals in distress.
Gun violence is down across America this year but it peaks every summer. Chicago's Fourth of July weekend bore the data out, with 109 people shot and 19 fatalities reported.
All of the victims were boys and men ranging in age from 15 to 36 years old.
This year's violent holiday weekend comes as the city and the nation have seen a drop in gun violence in recent years. As of June 24, Chicago had seen 1,105 shooting incidents so far this year, a 6% reduction from the same time last year and a 12% reduction over the past two years.
It is important to note that these sources may have biases and it is crucial to consider diverse perspectives when reporting on such sensitive topics.
