The first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marred by a surge in crime, with the Chicago Police Department reporting eight shootings, four of which were fatal, and one armed robbery. This spike in violence comes amidst additional protection measures put in place by local and federal officials to ensure the safety of attendees and residents during the convention and mass protests in downtown Chicago.
Increased Police Presence
Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized the presence of officers in both downtown areas and neighborhoods to protect vulnerable communities. “Our officers are out there. They’re highly visible. And we have officers not only along the corridors downtown, in and around the venues of the Democratic National Convention, but also in our neighborhoods to continue to protect our people who are living in areas that are the most vulnerable,” Snelling stated during a press conference on Monday.
Incidents of Violence
The first shooting on Monday occurred at 1 a.m. when a 35-year-old male was shot multiple times in the face while inside a vehicle on the 1000 block of E. 92nd Street. The victim, in critical condition, was unable to speak when officers arrived.
Around noon, officers discovered a 25-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the head in an alleyway on the 8200 block of S. South Shore Drive. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
In another incident, a 31-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint by two suspects who demanded his personal belongings while walking on S. Burnam Ave near the South Shore.
Tragic Losses
A 17-year-old boy driving on the 3800 block of W. 26th St. was fatally shot by an unknown assailant in a passing truck, leaving him critically injured until help arrived. He later succumbed to his injuries at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
At 5:30 p.m., a 34-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the head on the 8000 block of S. Green St. after two offenders shot at him before fleeing the scene. He was taken to a nearby hospital in good condition.
Approximately 20 minutes later, a 26-year-old man was shot in the left calf by three unknown suspects who opened fire on him while he stood on the sidewalk on the 7700 block of S. Bennett Ave. He remains in good condition.
At 6:30 p.m., a 32-year-old man was fatally shot in the chest when an unknown assailant fired shots at him from a blue sedan in the Englewood area.
The night continued with more violence as officers responded to reports of shots fired in West Chicago, where they found a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the face and body. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
In another incident at 10:20 p.m., a 33-year-old male was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the face and arms and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Decrease in Overall Crime
Despite the alarming spike in violence during the DNC, citywide statistics show a decrease in overall crime compared to previous years. Murders are down 9% this year compared to the same time period in 2023, with 344 murders recorded through Aug. 24 compared to 379 last year. Additionally, shootings have decreased by 9%, with 1,390 reported so far this year versus 1,468 at this time last year.
Total crime is down by 11% this year, following three years of rising violent crime in Chicago, including a 63% increase in violent crime in 2021 compared to 2020.
Subheadings
Rise in Crime at DNC in Chicago Impact of Increased Police Presence Citywide Crime Statistics and Trends
Citywide Crime Statistics and Trends
In conclusion, the surge in crime during the DNC in Chicago highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the city in addressing violence and ensuring public safety. While efforts are being made to protect residents and convention attendees, the tragic incidents on the first day of the convention serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a safer Chicago for all.