Chicago congressional leaders are demanding that the National Guard be called in to aid the city in gaining control over an out-of-control gang violence problem.
At least 67 people were shot during July 4th weekend, 11 of them fatally. Among the victims were a five-year-old boy, celebrating the holiday with his family, and a 72-year-old woman, sitting on her front porch to simply get a breath of fresh air.
“This is not acceptable,” state Rep. Monique Davis told NBC News. “I’m hearing from mothers that they are afraid to go outside. Hospitals are overburdened with 70 gunshot wounds in one day. Ambulances are so busy people are driving victims in their own cars.
Both Davis and Congressman Bobby Rush were among lawmakers meeting with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn this week to demand the National Guard be summoned “to protect our children so they can park, swim, play and have a childhood.” Rush also used the forum to announce that “an emergency” summit will be held at Chicago State University on July 25.
The city of Chicago ended last year with the highest number of murders in the nation. Three weeks into the New Year, its reputation suffered an even equally grave blow when 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton was shot dead near the high school where she was an honor-roll student just days after performing in Washington for President Obama’s inauguration festivities.
“It’s mayhem,” said Davis. “And nobody seems able to stop it.”
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.