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Police responded to the city’s Grand Crossing neighborhood
around 6:15 a.m. on July 4. Area One Deputy Chief Don Jerome
said multiple subjects approached a home and opened fire,
killing two women and an 8-year-old boy. Two other children were
critically hurt.
“Officers immediately rendered first aid, which included
tourniquets, pressure bandages and CPR,” Jerome said.
Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood said the senseless violence has to
stop.
“If anybody has any information, please do not hesitate to reach
out to the Chicago Police Department and their tip line,"
Gatewood said. "It’s important that not only do we hold these
folks accountable, but we help this community heal.”
On July 5, two shootings on the West Side left 14 people
injured. Other incidents have been reported across the city.
Chicago officials have continually touted decreases in violent
crime statistics, but police reported more than 70 shootings in
the city on Father’s Day weekend. More than 50 people were
injured in shootings on July 4 and 5.
Gatewood said the administration makes adjustments every day.
“Every day you have to adjust. Every day you have to advance,
because there is that much violence in the city,” Gatewood said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson recently outlined his vision for safety,
calling for safe spaces in every neighborhood and fully-funded
public accommodations.
Gatewood was asked what he would say to people who say the
mayor’s plan is not working.
“What I would say to them is we welcome you to come in and work
with us, but, most importantly, we’re here to support the people
who were hurt today," Gatewood said. "It’s not about whether or
not a plan is working. It’s about the support for the folks who
were hurt today.”
Chicago Police statistics showed more than 1,100 shooting
incidents in the first six months of 2024. Police reported 271
murders during the same time period.
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