Chicago had its deadliest Memorial Day Weekend in eight years. By Tuesday morning, at least 50 people were shot and 11 killed — the highest death toll since 2016.
Additionally, a man who lives across the street from Mayor Brandon Johnson was charged with stabbing a woman to death in South Austin, reported CBS.
Johnson issued a statement on Tuesday in response to the spate of violence two weeks into his tenure as mayor.
“The violence our city experienced this weekend is intolerable. It produced pain and trauma that devastated communities across Chicago, and my heart breaks for everyone affected. That’s why as mayor, I am committed to leveraging every single resource at our disposal to protect every single life in our city,” stated Mayor Johnson.
Last Thursday, Mayor Johnson unveiled his holistic-minded holiday weekend safety plan that called for extra police patrols in high-traffic areas like downtown, the lakefront, and on CTA, an expansion of programs and activities for young people, and deploying neighborhood peacekeepers to de-escalate situations.
He acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead.
“This holiday weekend, thousands of police officers, first responders, city workers, business leaders, organizers, faith leaders, and violence interrupters tirelessly dedicated themselves to keeping Chicago safe. I offer my deep gratitude to all those involved. We have much more work to do, but the work performed by these individuals this weekend is the foundation for how we will ultimately secure safety together.”
As a result of their efforts, thousands of Chicagoans and visitors enjoyed themselves safely at beaches, festivals, and neighborhood events across the city. Tragically, however, too many others were unable to. But I know none of us will rest until every Chicagoan can safely enjoy all the beauty our city has to offer.”
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