After Three Nights of Rioting and Two Shootings, Chicago's Mayor-Elect Defends the Rioters and Looters
(Updated)

Two teens shot as Chicago is torn by riots for three straight nights.

On Saturday, two teens were shot as a mob of young people rioted on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. According to the Chicago Police department both the victims were boys, one 16-year-old was shot in the arm and one 17-year-old was shot in the leg. Both were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital by the Chicago Fire Department.

Videos show hundreds of young people causing chaos in downtown Chicago by jumping on vehicles (including a CTA bus), assaulting motorists, and getting into fights. According to the Chicago Police Department (CPD), someone fired shots around 9 pm as a crowd was gathered on Washington street near North Michigan Avenue.

CPD reported that they had arrested 15 people near Millennium Park, nine adults and six juveniles. CPD said most of the charges were for reckless conduct, but one 16-year old was charged with unlawful use of a weapon.

According to local CWB, Saturday's incident was the third consecutive night youth were out causing trouble in the downtown area. On Thursday evening, a large group gathered at Millennium park where a 16-year old girl was injured as a fight broke out.

On Friday night, a 14-year old was shot around the 31st Street Beach. Friday and Saturday's crowds were reported to have formed as the result of invitations being sent out over social media.

Videos of the night's events circulated across Twitter on Sunday.

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Alderman of Chicago's 15th Ward, Raymond Lopez, tweeted a video and said, "This was Chicago last night. Save the excuses & rationalization. Unless you want this to be the norm in Chicago, hold them & their parents accountable."

Update: The mayor-elect put out a statement claiming that "demonizing" the Youths who are rioting and just about to turn their lives around is "not productive."

"In no way do I condone the destructive activity we saw in the Loop and lakefront this weekend. It is unacceptable and has no place in our city. However, it is not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities.

Everyone's got a big stinky "but"...

Our city must work together to create spaces for youth to gather safely and responsibly, under adult guidance and supervision, to ensure that every part of our city remains welcome for both residents and visitors. This is one aspect of my comprehensive approach to improve public safety and make Chicago livable for everyone."

posted by Ace at 01:36 PM

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