Hundreds of young people congregated in Chicago this past weekend, causing chaos and destruction for two consecutive nights.
Two teenage males, aged 16 and 17, were shot while in a crowd during the tumultuous mayhem that unfolded on Saturday night, while other young people smashed cars, blocked traffic and fought on the streets. Both victims were taken to a hospital, and as Fox 32 Chicago reports, are in fair condition.
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, while acknowledging the willful devastation, cautioned against demonizing the city's youth in a statement on Sunday. "In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend," said Johnson, a progressive who triumphed over moderate Democrat Paul Vallas earlier this month. "It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities." He called for concerted efforts by the city to provide safe spaces for young people to gather under adult supervision, and to safeguard the city's neighborhoods and tourist areas against such violent disruptions in the future.
According to reports, Chicago police arrested nine adults and six juveniles in connection with the incident, which was promoted on social media. Charges range from unlawful use of a weapon to possession of a stolen vehicle to reckless conduct.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who lost re-election to Johnson, vehemently condemned the weekend's events, describing them as "reckless, disrespectful and unlawful behavior." Lightfoot put the onus on parents to step up, stating in a statement, "Most importantly, parents and guardians must know where their children are and be responsible for their actions. Instilling the important values of respect for people and property must begin at home."
Chicago police have been grappling with rising crime levels, with the city's homicide rate reaching a 25-year peak earlier this year. During his mayoral campaign, Johnson faced criticism from the centrist wing of the Democratic Party for his previous support for reallocating funds from the police department to other social services. Since then, he has distanced himself from that position, stating his unemployment policies will not reduce the police budget, while calling for the hiring of more officers to help tackle the city's crime issues.
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