A wave of shootings in Chicago since Friday evening has resulted in at least seven deaths and 38 injuries, according to police. The violence prompted President Donald Trump to reiterate his call for deploying the military in the nation's third-largest city.
Trump Renews Military Intervention Call
President Trump, who has long advocated for military involvement in Chicago, renewed his demand amid the latest bloodshed. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate who has consistently rejected Trump's proposals, did not respond to a request for comment. Under Trump, National Guard troops have been deployed for crime-fighting in Democrat-led cities such as New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee.
Shooting Details and Victims
Chicago police reported at least two dozen shooting incidents since 5 p.m. Friday. Fatalities include a 21-year-old shot in the chest on Sunday, an 18-year-old shot in the armpit on Saturday evening, and a 50-year-old shot in the chest on Friday. In one major incident Friday evening, an SUV pulled up and two occupants opened fire on a crowd, wounding 12 people. The eight men and four women, aged 17 to 47, were treated at four hospitals; another man suffered unknown injuries and refused treatment.
Juneteenth Violence
The mass shooting occurred on Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. Earlier that day, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama welcomed the first visitors to the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed outrage, stating, "What should have been a night of celebration and community reflection for Juneteenth was shattered by a horrific act of violence." He added, "Violence has no place in our city, and those responsible will be held accountable."
Violent Crime Trends
While Chicago Police Department data shows a slight increase in shooting incidents compared to the first half of last year, violent crime rates have generally declined over the past few years, mirroring national trends. The weekend's violence highlights persistent gun issues despite overall improvements.
Other Cities Hit by Gun Violence
Other major U.S. cities also experienced gun-related violence over the weekend. In Philadelphia, two people were killed and two wounded in a shooting early Sunday morning, according to Fox-29. In Cincinnati, a shooting Saturday evening killed three, WLWT reported. Police in Kansas City, Missouri, are investigating a Friday evening shooting that left one dead and five wounded.
