Chicago’s Bloody Fourth

By brittany pettiford

During the holiday weekend of the Fourth of July, what began as a time of celebration became a bloodbath brought on from gun violence. Cook County Medical Examiner Anthony Brucci confirmed a total of 17 dead and it was reported more than 60 people were wounded from a total of 21 shooting incidents in the Chicago area. Two of the deaths and five of those whom were wounded were from shots by police officers of the Chicago Police Department.

While both Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and Mayor Rahm Emanuel blame the need for stricter gun laws on the violence committed during the weekend, I can’t help but think that action needs to be taken beyond legislature.

Legal action being taken on gun control does not effect the trafficking of illegal guns on the street. McCarthy even admitted that illegal firearms are the very root of the problem. He also reported that the CPD had collected more than 3,390 guns this year, which may have an affect in the slight decrease in shooting deaths this year from last year. There were 196 gun-related deaths last year through July with 185 up to July of this year, but that is hardly a significant difference. More has to be done within the community to get these illegal guns of the streets and to stop violence.

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Much of the violence in the Chicago community is attributed to not only gang violence but also life itself. Members of the community are governed either by fear, action or retaliation. Shootings in Chicago have risen by five percent while the number of victims has also increased by eight percent But what can delegators of elected officials do about guns that weren’t purchased at licensed fire-arm shops or about guns that are not registered?

Last month, the Chicago City Council approved Emanuel’s plan for restriction in gun shops, that requires all purchases to be videotaped and sales be limited to only one gun per month by each buyer. This is to decrease the amount of guns legally purchased but sold illegally to other people who are not allowed to own a gun. Chicago still needs a community intervention in which the people come together and put a stop to the violence.

Pastor Corey Brooks is calling on 5,000 men on 500 corners in high crime areas to aid young men within the age range of 12- 25 from June through August.

“I think what would be better is a better educational system for young boys, better resources, more utilization of summer programs and things for that these young people can do to enhance their lives,” he said. “And I think for anyone to consistently believe that the police are hear to answer all of our problems, that is not a good method.”

Brooks also said that he believes all leaders of the community must come together and fight against gun violence. This includes the police, pastors within the community and parents. All in all, the solution to Chicago’s problem is within the community.

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