Just when city officials were pointing to a drop in murders, the long Fourth of July weekend saw a significant uptick.
The Chicago Police Department reports that between Thursday afternoon and Sunday night, nine people were killed and 53 were injured in gun violence, but numerous media outlets are reporting even higher numbers. The police department also reports eight incidents where police shot at purported offenders.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement Monday condemning the violent weekend.
"The number of shootings and murders that took place over the holiday weekend is simply unacceptable, and points out that we still have work to do. The solution does not just include policing – although we'll continue to look for ways to put more police where they're needed. We also have to give our young people alternatives to the street, and as a community we need to demand more of ourselves and our neighbors."
Read the mayor's full statement.
