National (WDNews) – More than 100 people were shot, with 19 fatalities, in Chicago over the long Fourth of July weekend, police reported. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed deep sorrow over the violence, emphasizing the personal impact on the victims’ families. Among the deceased was an 8-year-old boy, killed in a targeted shooting at his home that also left two women dead and two children critically wounded. Despite these tragic events, shootings in Chicago have decreased overall in 2024 compared to previous years. However, summer months often see spikes in gun violence nationwide, with the Fourth of July being particularly notorious.
At Monday’s press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling noted that many of the shootings occurred at large group gatherings. Mayor Johnson called for additional federal resources to help curb gun violence and support victims.
