Mass Shootings in the Chicago Area
Mass shootings are unfortunately not uncommon, as they seem to happen every other week. More and more people continue to lose their lives. Families continue to be torn apart by the seemingly never-ending gun-violence. However, it seems that despite the fact that people continue to fight against gun violence, it never seems to work. Violence in Chicago is beginning to rise yet again, especially entering the summer months.
This is why it is imperative to be extra careful when walking the Chicago streets, and to always ensure to utilize situational awareness. Unfortunately, in the Chicago Back of the Yards area, there was yet another mass shooting, killing one, and injuring ten others.
What Exactly Occurred?
Saturday evening, there was a mass shooting that claimed the life of an 9-year-old girl and injured 10 others in the vicinity. Three children were also hurt in the shooting. The 9-year-old girl was identified by her father as Ariana Molina, and police say she was shot in the head. In addition, both parents of Ariana Molina were also struck by gunfire.
Ariana’s father suffered wounds to his feet, whereas her mother suffered a wound to her back and is still hospitalized. Additionally, there was a 1-year-old and two 8-year-old’s who had suffered gunshot wounds and were in critical condition upon arriving to the hospital for treatment.
The Future of Violence in Chicago
It is clear that this is a very distressing time, not only for the Back of the Yards area, but for Chicago in its entirety. “Violence is a citywide issue that continues to falsely characterize the true essence and intrinsic nature of our neighborhoods. This tragedy has left us all heartbroken and distressed,” mentions Chicago Alderman Stephanie Coleman, who represents Chicago’s 16th Ward.
The entire city continues to push for stricter gun laws. Many Chicagoans feel unsafe when they leave their home, and it is truly unfair. Especially as the summer months approach, many are just trying to enjoy their lives without the fear of something occurring to them. Unfortunately, it does not seem like that will be the case anytime soon, unless a form of change is enacted that stems across the entire state.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
Patch.com: Mass Shooting In Chicago Leaves 1 Child Dead, 10 Other People Injured In Back Of The Yards
ABC News: 9-year-old killed, both parents wounded in mass shooting at family gathering
Featured Image Courtesy of Chris Campbell’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mark’s Postcards from Beloit’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
