Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle
-blogged by @theRealAlexisDanielle
At least 72 people were shot in Chicago over the weekend, with at least 12 people murdered. The numbers exemplify a violent surge that has crippled the city for years.
39 of those shootings took place during a 24-hour period between Saturday and Sunday.
One shooting took place in the city’s Auburn-Gresham neighborhood, where a group fired into a crowd of people. Eight people ranging from the ages of 14-35 were injured.
According to USA Today, no arrests have been made in any of the shootings, though there are “strong leads” in multiple cases.
For city officials, the apparent pattern of witnesses not speaking up is aiding in the violent destruction.
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“There is a shortage of values about what is right, what is wrong,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “We as a city, in every corner, have an accountability and responsibility. If you know who did this, be a neighbor. Speak up.”
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Reports of the violent weekend come at a time where violence in Chicago is actually decreasing.
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USA Today reports that by the end of July, Chicago recorded 23% fewer murders from the same point one year ago. There were also 19% fewer shootings.
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Still, Chicago has topped the number of murders in any other U.S. city. The city is seeing a positive improvement coupled with constant lows.
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Mayor Emmanuel, who is up for re-election in February, has taken the blunt of the criticism, including that of Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
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However, in opposition of those who are against Emmanuel’s leadership, supporters point out that the Mayor has pushed $$55 million in grants to boost entrepreneurship in the most violent areas of Chicago, as well as backing his One Summer Chicago program, which offers over 30,000 paid internships to teens and young adults.
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Ultimately, while the blame is being split amongst city leaders, residents agree that there must be a resolution. Thoughts?
