Gun Violence Rocks Chicago Over the Weekend: A Look at the Tragic Events
Chicago faced another wave of gun violence this weekend, leaving at least 13 people shot and four lives tragically lost. Here’s a closer look at the heartbreaking stories that unfolded.
Sunday Afternoon: Tragedy Strikes in Little Village
A quiet afternoon turned deadly in Little Village on Sunday when two people were targeted in a drive-by shooting. Around 4 p.m., a 43-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were standing on a sidewalk near the 4000 block of West 26th Street. Out of nowhere, shots rang out from a dark-colored car speeding past.
The man was critically injured, struck multiple times, and rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away. The woman, hit in the leg, was fortunate to survive and is recovering in good condition. Police are still searching for the shooter, and no arrests have been made yet.
Early Sunday Morning: Teenagers Shot in Little Village
Just hours before, in the early hours of Sunday morning, another shooting rocked Little Village. This time, two teenagers were caught in the gunfire while standing on a sidewalk in the 2600 block of South Avers Avenue.
A 16-year-old boy was hit in the abdomen and taken to the hospital, where he tragically died. His 15-year-old friend was also injured, taking a bullet to the back but surviving and being treated in stable condition. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police are actively investigating.
Saturday Night: A Woman Injured in the Loop
A bustling Saturday evening in the Loop turned chaotic when a 19-year-old woman was shot near the Macy’s on State Street. It happened just before 9 p.m. while she was walking with friends on West Washington Street.
The shooter, a man who hasn’t been identified, fired at the group before vanishing into the night. The young woman was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, initially listed in critical condition but later reported to be stable. Police are working to piece together what led to the shooting.
Friday Night: Food Vendor Defends Himself in Austin Shootout
In a dramatic turn of events on Friday night, a food vendor with a legal firearm fought back during an attempted robbery in Austin. The 35-year-old vendor was approached by a 30-year-old man near South Central Avenue. Things escalated quickly when the man pulled a gun.
The vendor, who has a concealed-carry license, drew his weapon in self-defense, leading to a shootout. The suspect was hit multiple times and later pronounced dead at the hospital. The vendor, who was shot in the arm, is recovering and expected to be okay. Police are treating this as an attempted robbery gone wrong.
The Bigger Picture
The weekend’s violence is a sobering reminder of the challenges Chicago continues to face with gun violence. From senseless tragedies to acts of self-defense, these incidents leave lasting scars on the victims, their families, and the community. Authorities are working hard to bring justice, but for now, the city mourns yet another painful weekend.
