At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured in multiple shootings across Chicago since Friday evening, police confirmed. The violence prompted renewed calls from former President Donald Trump for military intervention in the city, which he criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for resisting.
Trump's Social Media Response
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump questioned why Governor Pritzker had not requested federal assistance. "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!!!" Trump wrote. He added that Washington D.C. had gone from one of the worst to one of the safest cities in the U.S. under his administration's approach.
Trump's administration previously deployed National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities including New Orleans and Memphis. However, a study from the nonpartisan Niskanen Center found that the National Guard's presence had minimal effect on violent crime in D.C., countering the former president's claims.
Pritzker's Stance
Governor Pritzker has repeatedly rejected Trump's proposal to federalize National Guard members in Illinois. He sued to block the Trump administration's deployment last year. A representative for Pritzker did not respond to requests for comment on Trump's latest remarks.
Details of the Shootings
Chicago police reported at least two dozen shooting incidents since 5 p.m. on Friday. The most significant incident occurred on Friday evening when an SUV pulled up on a Chicago street and two individuals inside opened fire on a crowd. Twelve people—eight men and four women aged 17 to 47—suffered gunshot wounds and were treated at four hospitals. Another man sustained unknown injuries and refused medical treatment.
Among those killed were a 33-year-old man, a 34-year-old man, and a 21-year-old man, all in separate incidents. Officials have not yet released the identities of most victims.
Mayor's Response
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the violence in a post on X on Saturday. "What should have been a night of celebration and community reflection for Juneteenth was shattered by a horrific act of violence," Johnson said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones….Violence has no place in our city, and those responsible will be held accountable."
Crime Trends
While Chicago police data shows a slight increase in shooting incidents compared to the first half of last year, violent crime rates have generally declined in the city over the past few years, mirroring national trends.
Obama Library Opening
The weekend also saw the opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side, attended by former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush, as well as musicians John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, and Bruce Springsteen. Trump was not invited, according to Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett, who said the event was for supporters and celebration of the center's completion. She added that Trump would be welcome for a tour if he wished.
