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58 people shot in Chicago over weekend as police hit out at 'cowardly' violence

'This isn't a widespread issue among Chicagoans, it's the same people,' says Chicago's police superintendent 

Kimberley Richards
New York
Tuesday 21 August 2018 01:46 BST
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Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says gun violence in Chicago will continue

Chicago police have hit out at "cowardly" and "senseless" gun crime after at least 58 people were shot in another violent weekend across the city.

Six people were killed from the shootings that took place from Friday to Sunday night, Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Eddie Johnson said at a press conference. It was the second weekend in a month involving around 60 people being shot.

"It's no secret that we had another unacceptable violent weekend," he said. "I share the anger and frustration that many families are having today, mainly, because these acts are tragic, senseless and cowardly."

Tom Ahern, the assistant director of news affairs and communications at CPD reported that a three-year-old boy was among those wounded as a result of the shootings from the weekend.

Mr Johnson said that 83 illegal guns have since been confiscated "off the streets" since Friday and 29 people had been arrested on gun-related charges. Three persons of interest have since been placed in custody. The police superintendent stated that 26 of the 58 people wounded by guns over the weekend were known to CPD through arrests or criminal histories.

"As long as we fail to create repercussions for carrying or using illegal guns, or more importantly, hold repeat violent offenders accountable for their actions, we're simply going to continue to have these discussions on Monday mornings," Mr Johnson said.

He added: "It's the same people who are pulling the triggers in some of these communities – this isn't a widespread issue among Chicagoans – it's the same people."

According to NBC Chicago, at least 18 people were reported to be injured in shootings on Friday, with at least 17 more injured in shootings on Saturday and 18 injured on Sunday. The weekend's first fatality reportedly occurred Saturday evening; a man in his twenties was found lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his back, NBC reported. The victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, police say.

Two bodies were discovered in an empty field in the city’s far south side just before midnight on Sunday evening following reports that two teens were reported missing days prior.

CPD told The Independent that the identifies of the bodies have not yet been confirmed. It is not immediately clear how long their bodies had been at the location.

Earlier this month, Chicago police appealed for extra help from the judicial system and its federal partners after a weekend of gang-related gun violence where more than 60 people were shot.

"We will not be defeated,” said police chief Fred Waller at the time. “We won’t be overrun by that small element that’s committing these reckless acts.”

Mr Johnson said in the press conference on Monday that the "Chicago Police Department simply cannot do this alone."

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