When statements claimed New York Times reporters were being dispatched to embattled Chicago to investigate possible shootings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, it seemed rather presumptive. While the deadly city, which has taken on the moniker “Chi-raq” due to high numbers of shooting deaths of residents, mostly Black men, it seemed impossible for the publication to predict the likelihood of a spike in violence, pinpointing one holiday weekend.
Today, marks the day after the holiday weekend and it appears that whatever dark oracle was used by reporters to urge them to hit the streets of Chicago this weekend was correct.
Thus far, the deadly count in Chicago reveals that 69 people have been shot, six fatally wounded, according to the Chicago Tribune. Sadly, the numbers mark a rise from last year when 44 people were shot and 12 were killed. While more people were killed in 2015, the spike from 44 to 69 shot is frightening in a city where legislators claimed they’d make changes to protect citizens.
The details of this year’s bloody weekend sound like the makings of an odious gangster movie. According to the Tribune, the violence began on Friday with three people killed and 12 wounded by early Saturday morning. Saturday was no better: one person was killed and 24 wounded. Between Sunday and Monday, 29 people were shot, two were killed on Monday. Victims include a 17-year-old girl and 21-year-old man who were shot while standing on the street, both survived; a 17-year-old boy who was shot by an unknown male; and four people who were caught in the crossfire between people who were shooting at each other.
The information released is both sad and sobering. It makes people wonder what’s really happening in Chicago and what we can do as a community to change things so people can simply enjoy a holiday weekend.
At stake are precious lives and the sanity of the people left behind.
