Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s (D) suggestion that the city’s “soul” would be on display over Memorial Day weekend appeared prescient when a violent incident forced a beach to close within hours of opening for summer.
(Video: Fox 32)
In 2022, then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) had overseen what amounted to the bloodiest Memorial Day weekend in five years. Friday, just one day after unveiling a public safety plan aimed at preventing such senseless violence, the opening of the Windy City’s 22 beaches was marked by chaos when gunfire erupted in the throes of a gang fight involving 80-100 teens.
Chicago’s North Avenue Beach opened at 11 a.m. Friday and prior to 1:30 p.m., Chicago Police Department officers were making multiple arrests after a firearm was discharged.
Today, on the first day beaches were opened for the season in Chicago, a shooting takes place at the popular North Avenue Beach as about 80 to 100 teenagers gathered. pic.twitter.com/tEJeSW0kNj
— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) May 26, 2023
“What a way to kick off summer,” Miguel Segundo told Fox 32 after his attempt to enjoy a day off before working through the weekend was waylaid.
“It happens, unfortunately. But we’re still going to enjoy the weekend. [Shootings] just seem to be a part of life now,” Mikaylah Willis of St. Louis said after traveling to Chicago to celebrate her son’s 7th birthday.
CPD Interim Superintendent Fred Waller explained at a press briefing that a 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody while another individual was arrested in possession of two weapons.
On Thursday, Johnson had talked up his public safety plan which included officers posted on the beaches searching bags for weapons and alcohol, and said, “My administration’s top priority is making sure there is a comprehensive whole-of-government strategy across our city that is keeping everyone safe.”
“This weekend, the soul of Chicago will be on display for residents, families and visitors,” he boasted.
Last year, nine fatalities had been reported over Memorial Day weekend in Chicago where nearly 50 people were shot. The violence in the Windy City was only some of the nationwide turmoil that saw no fewer than 13 killed in Philadelphia across 16 shootings and one in Oklahoma during a shooting that injured seven.
Nation sees bloody Memorial Day weekend of gun violence in Dem-run crime-ridden cities https://t.co/E3gBxUlAw5
— American Wire News (@americanwire_) May 31, 2022
The dispute, which reportedly left no one injured, also followed a violent scene at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport where a brawl erupted at the baggage claim after an argument.
” A verbal dispute while deplaning escalated in the lower level of terminal 3 when a 24-year-old female victim was punched by two offenders. The offenders were placed into custody and charged accordingly,” the police reported.
Along with officers being called in to work their off days, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IHDS) deployed 30 peacekeepers throughout the city that was rocked earlier this year by mobs of teens running rampant through the streets.
Following the incidents in April, Johnson called the behavior “unacceptable” but sympathized with the teens and said, “However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.”
At least two teens were reportedly shot during that mob violence.
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Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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