What\u2019s new in Chi-town?<\/p>\n
Well, under the leadership of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the city witnessed a spike in gun-related violence that made 2016 the deadliest year for the Windy City in 19 years.<\/p>\n
Last year, there were 762 murders and 3,550 shooting incidents involving 4,331 victims, according to a recent Chicago Police Department report<\/a>.<\/p>\n By comparison, in 2015, there were 480 murders which had been the most in the city since 1997.<\/p>\n The spike in shootings came despite an increase in policing. In 2016, police made 10 percent more gun arrests and confiscated 20 percent more firearms (a total of 8,300) when compared to 2015.<\/p>\n Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson spoke about the rising tide of casualties at a news conference<\/a> last Sunday, suggesting that the laws on the books are not tough enough to deter violent behavior.<\/p>\n “In Chicago, we just don’t have a deterrent to pick up a gun,” he said. “Any time a guy stealing a loaf of bread spends more time pre-trial in jail than a gun offender, something is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Certainly, if the perpetrators of these shootings aren\u2019t being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law \u2014 state and federal law, that is \u2014 then the blame should fall directly on the shoulders of Mayor Emanuel. He should be leading the charge to put offenders and repeat offenders behind bars!<\/p>\n On that note, president-elect Donald Trump indicated that it might be time for the federal government to step in and right the ship.<\/p>\n Chicago murder rate is record setting – 4,331 shooting victims with 762 murders in 2016. If Mayor can’t do it he must ask for Federal help!<\/p>\n\n