CHICAGO, IL—Between Friday, August 21 and Sunday, August 23, 66 people were shot in Chicago, including some minors, and 5 people were killed. The previous weekend saw 64 people shot across the city, with seven being killed.
According to a press release from the Chicago Police Department, the most recent fatal attack occurred on August 23, where a shooting killed Martin Coleman, 27, of Lawndale, on the West Side. He was shot in the chest and pelvis at around 6:20 p.m. following an argument with the suspect. He was rushed to the hospital, but later died. The suspect has not been identified in the case.
Among the 66 victims, three minors were wounded by gunfire. According to the Chicago Sun Times, a 17-year-old boy was shot in the arm at around 9:20 p.m. on Sunday on West Chicago Avenue, but remains in stable condition in hospital. On Saturday, another 17-year-old was shot in the same area. He was shot in his left calf and taken to hospital, but is also in good condition. Another 17-year-old was shot at around 2:20 a.m. on August 24. The victim was standing near a vehicle when an unidentified suspect approached and started shooting. The minor suffered gunshot wounds in his abdomen and the right side of his chest, but remains in stable condition.
The increase in crime, and increasing number of gunshot victims across Chicago has prompted Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to declare a statement of emergency. On Sunday, August 23, the governor ordered the Illinois National Guard to be deployed to Chicago, with support from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
On August 21, prior to this decision, city councilmembers presented a resolution to the governor imploring for extra protective measures to address the violence. The resolution provided evidence and reasoning for their request, in which part of it reads:
“Businesses across our City have been subject to unyielding criminals, many on the brink of failure contemplating their future in Chicago. The continued attacks against Chicago’s collective safety will impact our residential real estate, current and future investments in our communities, and our City’s future economic development.”
