Local media reports say that at least 41 people were shot in Chicago in a 24-hour-period over the weekend, leaving at least three dead. And on Sunday, Aug. 5, at least 25 people were shot in just under three hours.
Sixteen of the victims were teenagers, according to the Tribune, and a dozen of them were aged 17 or younger.
‘Related to Chicago Gang Conflicts’
Police Patrol Chief Fred Waller said in a news conference Sunday that the shootings once again show “the devastating effects that illegal guns have in our communities,” USA Today reported.“We know that some of these incidents were targeted and are related to gang conflicts in those areas,” he also said, ABC7 reported.
Waller also suggested that the heat is a factor, as it brings crowds of people out into the streets, particularly after violence has occurred. He said the police department is working hard to prevent crime.
“We can never measure what we prevent,” he said. “And it’s not just about being hot. Sometimes it’s about the culture, about feeling like there are no repercussions.”
Police confirmed to ABC7 that there was a “trauma lockdown” at Stroger Hospital, and only immediate family members can visit victims. But a Stroger Hospital spokesperson denied the claim.
“Over the past 24 hours, Stroger’s trauma unit received an unusually high volume of patients. At no time did Stroger go on bypass or ‘lockdown’ its trauma unit,” the spokeswoman told the station. “We are asking the families of trauma patients to limit visitation at this time to immediate family members only so staff may focus on patient care. ”
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