Chicago’s Labor Day Weekend Sees Spike in Gun Violence, Leaving Three Dead and At Least 17 Shot.
The annual Labor Day weekend has unfortunately become synonymous with a surge in gun violence in Chicago, and this year was no exception. As of the time of writing, at least 17 people have been shot during the holiday weekend, resulting in three fatalities thus far. The first fatal shooting occurred just after 9:30 p.m. on Friday “in the 11800 block of S. Indiana,” according to ABC 7. A 49-year-old woman was sitting on a porch when someone opened fire from inside a passing vehicle, striking her twice. First responders rushed her to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Hours later, just after midnight on Saturday, another woman was shot and killed in the “3900-block of West Ogden Avenue.” The 58-year-old victim was inside a vehicle when someone opened fire, shooting her in the neck. The third fatal incident took place in the “2900-block of East 89th Street,” where a man was shot while sitting in a “stopped vehicle.” An assailant approached the vehicle and fired at the man, hitting him in the chest. He was transported to a hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The Chicago Sun-Times homicide database reveals that as of this year, 2024 has seen a total of 378 people killed within the city’s limits. This alarming number highlights the need for increased efforts to curb gun violence and promote public safety. With several days left in the Labor Day weekend, it remains to be seen whether this tragic trend will continue to escalate or if authorities can successfully intervene and prevent further loss of life.