A TV news crew from Univision Chicago has become the latest victims of the escalating crime wave in the city.
While reporting on a series of armed robberies, the crew was robbed at gunpoint by three masked men. The incident occurred near the 1200 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in the West Town neighborhood. The victims, a reporter and a photographer, had their personal items stolen, including a camera. Thankfully, they were unharmed.
Luis Godinez, the Vice President of news at Univision Chicago, confirmed the incident and emphasized that the crew's safety was the priority. He also mentioned that the station intentionally downplayed the incident in their subsequent coverage, as they did not want to make the story about themselves.
This incident is just one of many in a string of armed robberies and carjackings that have plagued Chicago recently. The South Loop and Northwest Side have been particularly affected, with two to four assailants targeting and robbing victims. Some victims have even been physically assaulted, resulting in serious injuries. The Chicago Police Department has reported a staggering number of robberies, burglaries, and thefts this year.
Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward expressed his concern over the audacity of these criminals and called for action. He emphasized the need for both police support and strong leadership from the mayor's office to address the escalating crime problem.
However, Mayor Brandon Johnson, a leftist who was elected in April, has shown reluctance to tackle crime directly or adopt proven methods. Instead, he believes that investing more in mental health care, schools, and affordable housing will make the city safer. He has even supported sending social workers and EMTs to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police officers.
Mayor Johnson's approach has faced criticism, especially considering the alarming crime statistics in Chicago. The city has already witnessed 396 homicides this year and a total of 643 slayings in the past 12 months. Carjackings have also seen a significant increase, with 19,585 reported so far this year, marking a 227% surge since 2019. Despite these concerning numbers, Mayor Johnson has focused on highlighting his efforts to provide summer employment for youths and collaborate with various communities.
The Univision crew's robbery is not an isolated incident. Just a few weeks ago, a WLS photographer was beaten and robbed while preparing to cover a news conference on the West Side. This incident, along with the recent robbery of a CNN news team in San Francisco, highlights the dangers faced by journalists reporting on crime in Democrat-run cities.
The rising crime rates and the lack of effective measures to address the issue have left many residents concerned for their safety. According to Neighborhood Scout, the chances of becoming a victim of a property crime in Chicago are now 1 in 42, while the chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime are 1 in 115.
As crime continues to plague Democrat-run cities, it is clear that immediate action is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The incidents involving news crews serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those reporting on these issues.
`It is crucial for city officials to prioritize public safety and implement strategies that effectively combat crime, rather than relying on misguided approaches that fail to address the root causes.
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