CHICAGO — Seven people are dead and at least 38 others were wounded following a wave of shootings that erupted across Chicago beginning Friday evening, according to city police. The violence has reignited calls from President Donald Trump for the federal government to step in militarily.
Taking to Truth Social on Sunday morning, Trump directed a pointed message at the state’s top official: “Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe City in ONE MONTH, in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!!”
The office of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker — considered a possible contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination — did not respond to a request for comment. Pritzker has repeatedly turned down Trump’s proposals for military involvement in the city. The Trump administration has already sent National Guard troops on crime-reduction missions to other Democrat-led cities, including New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee.
Chicago Police Department figures show a modest increase in shooting incidents compared to the same stretch last year, though overall violent crime in the city has been on a downward trend in recent years, mirroring patterns seen nationally.
According to preliminary data from police, at least two dozen separate shooting incidents occurred after 5 p.m. Friday. Among those killed were a 21-year-old shot in the chest on Sunday, an 18-year-old shot in the armpit Saturday evening, and a 50-year-old shot in the chest on Friday.
One of the most alarming incidents took place Friday evening when an SUV pulled up to a group of people gathered on a Chicago street and two occupants opened fire, striking at least 12 people. The eight men and four women in the group ranged in age from 17 to 47 and were taken to four different hospitals for treatment. Police said a separate man sustained unknown injuries but declined medical care.
The mass shooting occurred on Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. Earlier that same day, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama had welcomed the first visitors to his presidential center on Chicago’s South Side.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson responded to the violence in a post on X on Saturday, writing: “What should have been a night of celebration and community reflection for Juneteenth was shattered by a horrific act of violence. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.”
The mayor added: “Violence has no place in our city, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
