Chicago witnessed a troubling increase in gun violence over the long Fourth of July holiday weekend, with a total of 102 people being shot, including at least a dozen fatalities, as reported by the Chicago Police Department.
From July 3 at 6 p.m. CT through July 7 at 6 a.m. CT, the city recorded over 100 individuals struck by gunfire, with 17 tragically succumbing to their injuries. Additionally, two more individuals were shot on July 7, further adding to the toll.
This year's Independence Day weekend gun violence figures represent a 27% rise in shootings compared to the previous year. In 2023, at least 73 people were shot during the same holiday weekend, with 11 fatalities reported.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed deep sorrow over the recent surge in violence, extending condolences to the affected families and communities. The city took measures such as canceling police officers' time off to enhance presence and response, activating an emergency services assistance center, and organizing a community rally to foster support and healing.
Tragically, the efforts to curb the violence did not prevent further shootings, including the heartbreaking death of an 8-year-old boy who was among the victims. Several teenagers, aged 15 to 16, were also injured in separate incidents.
Notably, the city reported 617 homicides in 2023, with a 13% decrease in murders compared to the previous year. Law enforcement data and researchers have consistently highlighted the summer months, particularly July 1-7, as a period of heightened gun violence in the United States.
July 4 emerged as a particularly concerning day for mass shootings, with data indicating it as the day with the highest number of such incidents over the past decade. The following day, July 5, also saw a significant number of shootings, underscoring the ongoing challenge of gun violence in the country.
