Published: August 06, 2018 15:13:49 | Updated: August 08, 2018 13:33:20
At least 40 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend during the seven hours from midnight Saturday to early Sunday morning, with four fatalities, city police said on Sunday, a stark violent streak in a city where authorities say gun violence has been decreasing this year.
“These were both random and targeted shootings on our streets,” said Fred Waller, Chief of the Patrol Division of the Chicago Police Department, in a press conference.
He said most of the shootings are connected to gang violence in the city of about 2.7 million people, the third-largest in the United States.
Police said gunmen targeted a block party, a gathering after a funeral, and other gatherings on a night where thousands of people gathered for a downtown concert.
Local media reported that the brunt of the violence happened in the city’s West Side, where 25 people were shot in separate attacks.
Waller touted that shootings in 2018 were down from last year.
The Chicago Tribune, which has been tracking shooting statistics, reported earlier this month that shootings in the city have declined, with 533 fewer shootings as of August 1 than the same time in 2017.
“By no means do these statistics show that we have a victory,” Waller said.
He said that police are working with other law enforcement groups to target gang activity, according to a Reuters report.
“I promise we will not be defeated,” Waller said.
More specifics on the shootings were not immediately available late on Sunday.
Abuse a stark reality for child migrants
Senate opposes Trump plans for abrupt Syria troops withdrawal
Callamard gets no Saudi help over Khashoggi probe
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and wife MacKenzie to divorce
Jailing of journalists worldwide nears record high
Climate chiefs warn 'world at crossroads'
Sydney gets one month's rainfall in just two hrs
US govt report says climate change to batter its economy
Russia, stung by intelligence leaks, plans to tighten data protection
Saudi royals turn against king's favourite son over Khashoggi murder
Calls to relocate chemical inventories grow louder
Experts for strengthening 'priority' financing
Reliance Insurance, Legacy declare dividend
Poor utilisation: Govt to cut 15pc project aid
Railway to overhaul accounting this year
Piling work of Ctg Elevated Expressway starts Sunday
PM visits Old Dhaka fire victims at DMCH
A chilling discovery after Old Dhaka fire
© 2017 - All Rights with The Financial Express