Over the Fourth of July weekend, a series of shootings in Chicago resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left 27 others injured. Among the victims were a 5-year-old girl and an 85-year-old man. The incidents occurred in various neighborhoods across the city, prompting an active investigation by the authorities.
The first murder took place on Friday night in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. Four men were gathered on South Artesian Avenue when a black Dodge Charger pulled up and opened fire on the group. A 23-year-old man was fatally shot in the buttocks, while two others, aged 24 and 27, sustained leg injuries and were hospitalized. The oldest member of the group, a 58-year-old man, was also shot in the hip and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he and the other survivors were reported to be in good condition.
Late on Saturday, another shooting occurred in the Archer Heights neighborhood. Three individuals were standing in the street when a passing silver sedan began firing shots. A teenager was killed, and a 19-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were injured. The third murder occurred just minutes later in West Englewood, where a man was shot multiple times while walking. He was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In addition to the fatal shootings, several other incidents of gun violence occurred over the weekend. A 16-year-old boy was shot in the arm in West Englewood, and a 26-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds in River North. Two teenage boys were also injured in a drive-by shooting in Englewood. Furthermore, an 85-year-old man was shot during an attempted robbery in Chatham, and a male victim and a 5-year-old girl were shot in the Lawndale neighborhood.
The total number of shooting victims over the holiday weekend reached 30, with three fatalities. These incidents highlight the ongoing issue of violent crimes in Chicago. Last year, during the same period, the city recorded 30 shooting victims, including eight fatalities.
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the shootings and working to identify those responsible. The surge in violent crimes has raised concerns among residents and community leaders, who are calling for increased efforts to address the issue. The Chicago Police Department is collaborating with local organizations and implementing strategies to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of the community.