Seven Dead, 38 Hurt in Chicago Shootings, Renewing Crime Debate

A wave of gun violence across Chicago over the weekend left at least seven people dead and 38 others injured , raising fresh concerns over public safety and law enforcement in the United States' third-largest city.

According to preliminary information released by the Chicago Police Department, authorities responded to more than two dozen shooting incidents between Friday evening and Sunday. Among those killed were a 21-year-old man shot in the chest on Sunday , an 18-year-old who died after being shot on Saturday evening , and a 50-year-old man fatally wounded on Friday .

One of the most serious incidents occurred on Friday evening during Juneteenth celebrations Juneteenth is a US federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States when gunmen in an SUV opened fire on a crowd gathered on a city street. Police said 12 people were wounded in the attack, including eight men and four women aged between 17 and 47. Victims were taken to multiple hospitals for treatment, while another injured individual declined medical assistance.

The violence has reignited debate over crime and policing in Chicago. President Donald Trump used the weekend bloodshed to renew his call for stronger federal intervention, questioning why Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker had not sought additional assistance from Washington. Trump has previously advocated deploying military or National Guard resources to help combat crime in major cities.

Governor Pritzker has repeatedly opposed such proposals, arguing that local and state authorities are best positioned to address public safety challenges.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the shootings, particularly the attack that disrupted Juneteenth observances. In a statement, he described the incident as a "horrific act of violence" and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Despite the deadly weekend, city crime data indicates that overall violent crime in Chicago has generally declined in recent years, broadly reflecting national trends. However, the latest shootings underscore persistent concerns about gun violence and public safety, especially during major public gatherings and holiday celebrations.