Brandon Johnson had many things about the violent incident that took place two Saturdays ago. Hundreds of young people came to the Millennium Park neighborhood for a “Teen Takeover” event. Additionally, there were teenagers fighting in the streets, jumping on the roof of a bus, and breaking into vehicles. Moreover, they were lighting them on fire in videos released on social media.
Two males, ages 16 and 17, were in a gathering in the 100 block of East Washington Street when bullets were fired around 9 p.m., according to Chicago police. As a result, the 16-year-old received a gunshot wound to the right arm, while the 17-year-old was shot in the left leg. The incident resulted in the arrest of fifteen people. These kinds of gatherings are publicized and promoted on social media. Nonetheless, the Saturday night melee seems to have caught city leaders, business owners, and police off guard.
Statement From Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s message made global headlines, emphasizing, among other things, “Not constructive to demonize youth starved of opportunities.”
“When I came back, the area lined with, and this street blocked off by a wall of police up the next block,” said witness David Clark. “In no way do I condone the destructive activity in the Loop and along the lakefront this weekend. Johnson said in a statement. “It is abhorrent and has no place in our city. However, demonizing youth who had otherwise been deprived of opportunity in their own communities is counterproductive.” According to Brandon Johnson, such issues require holistic treatment.
To ensure that every part of our city remains welcoming for both residents and visitors, our city must work together to create spaces for youth. But also, to gather safely and responsibly, under adult guidance and supervision. This is one component of my entire plan to improve public safety and make Chicago more livable for everybody.
CPD’s Efforts Will Take In the Following:
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Jason Lawrence (Flickr CC0) A larger police presence at large events.
- To help monitor, cameras are being used.
- Bag searches at beach access points.
- Working with teenagers and outreach workers.
Structure, according to Good Kids Mad City Co-founder Kofi Ademola and Brooks, is critical, and it will take the entire city to work together to create a good difference in the lives of young people.
“How do we avoid violence? How can we provide young people with the tools, chances, and resources they need to avoid picking up a gun in the first place?” Ademola questioned.
Ademola believes a planned ordinance called “the Peacebook” could be the answer to giving the city’s children more opportunities. Ademola stated that if passed, it will invest millions of dollars in local communities to create youth programming, job training, and much-needed structure.
“Young people left to fend for themselves. If we can provide them with jobs and the opportunity to study restorative justice, peacekeeping, and other similar skills, we will see a cultural transformation,” Ademola added.
What CPD Had To Say About This Weekend
The safety and well-being of our inhabitants and tourists, including the city’s youngsters, is the top priority of the Chicago Police Department. People encourage young people to be safe and responsible while having fun on the weekends. Anyone caught engaging in criminal conduct will be detained and accountable.
Moreover, we actively and consistently monitor open-source social media. Extra resources are available to protect people who visit, live, or work in regions where huge crowds assemble. At various meetings across the city, resources include an increased police and command staff presence. In addition, our Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs) will monitor all activity and police cameras to assist in the proactive reallocation of resources when necessary.
By Kelianexis Rodriguez
FOX32CHICAGO: Chicago mayor-elect Brandon Johnson: ‘Not constructive to demonize youth starved of opportunities’
NEWSWEEK: Brandon Johnson’s Response to Chicago ‘Teen Takeover’ Condemned: ‘Disaster’
ABC7CHICAGO: Unruly crowds ‘unacceptable,’ but don’t ‘demonize youth’: Brandon Johnson, Chicago mayor-elect
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Pete Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Jason Lawrence Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
