CHICAGO, IL – A violent weekend across Chicago has left at least seven people dead and 38 others injured, triggering a renewed political debate over federal intervention in the nation’s third-largest city.
Mass Shooting Mars Juneteenth Celebrations
According to the Chicago Police Department, preliminary data shows at least two dozen shooting incidents occurred since Friday evening.
The most severe incident took place on Friday night during Juneteenth celebrations. Police reported that an SUV pulled up to a crowd on a local street, and two individuals inside opened fire. The shooting wounded 12 people—eight men and four women ranging in age from 17 to 47. The victims were distributed across four area hospitals for treatment.
Other fatalities over the weekend included a 50-year-old man shot Friday, an 18-year-old shot Saturday, and a 21-year-old shot on Sunday morning.
Renewed Calls For Military Intervention
The sudden surge in violence prompted a sharp response from former President Donald Trump, who took to Truth Social on Sunday to demand military deployment.
“Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help,” Trump posted, claiming he could drastically improve Chicago’s safety within a short timeframe.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office did not immediately comment on the statements. Pritzker has consistently rejected proposals for federal military intervention in the past. Under previous administrations, National Guard troops have been utilized for localized crime-fighting initiatives in cities such as Memphis, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C.
City Leadership Responds
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the Friday night mass shooting in a statement on social media, emphasizing the tragic timing during a holiday weekend.
“What should have been a night of celebration and community reflection for Juneteenth was shattered by a horrific act of violence,” Mayor Johnson stated, adding that those responsible would be held accountable.
While police data indicates a slight uptick in shooting incidents compared to the first half of last year, overall violent crime rates in Chicago have trended downward over the past few years, mirroring broader national decreases.
