At least eight people were killed and 38 others injured in a series of shootings across Chicago during the long holiday weekend, according to local authorities.
The Chicago Police Department said at least 24 separate shooting incidents were reported between 5pm on Friday and Sunday, with victims ranging in age from 14 to 70 years old.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on Friday night when at least 12 people were wounded after two gunmen allegedly opened fire from a sport utility vehicle (SUV) at a group gathered on the far South Side of the city.
Police are continuing investigations into the shootings, which have once again placed the spotlight on violent crime in the United States’ third-largest city.
The violence also prompted a response from US President Donald Trump, who renewed calls for federal intervention in Chicago.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump questioned why Illinois Governor JB Pritzker had not requested federal assistance.
“I could make Chicago a safe city within one month. Within one year, it would become one of the safest cities,” Trump wrote.
Earlier this year, Trump deployed National Guard personnel as part of crime-fighting initiatives in several Democrat-led cities, including Chicago. However, the move faced significant opposition from local leaders and critics.
Despite the latest outbreak of gun violence, data from the Chicago Police Department indicates that overall violent crime in the city has declined in recent years, reflecting a broader nationwide trend.
However, officials noted that the number of shooting incidents has seen a slight increase compared with the first half of last year.
Authorities are continuing efforts to identify suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the latest wave of violence.
