As Chicagoans come out of a weekend where eight women were injured and one 21-year-old woman was killed at a birthday party in North Lawndale, community leaders joined “Chicago Tonight” co-host Brandis Friedman in a discussion focused on how residents, policymakers and community groups are working to address the deeply rooted issue of gun violence.

Meanwhile, Chicago police data shows that the city recorded 301 murders in the first six months of 2023, which is a 6% decrease from the first six months of 2022. 

While murders are currently down compared to the same period last year, public safety and other crime concerns continue to be a top issue for residents and communities.

Joining the discussion was Garien Gatewood, the city’s first deputy mayor of community safety; Linda Tortolero, president & CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Acción; and Glen Brooks, director of community policing for the Chicago Police Department.