Chicago Has Already Passed Last Year’s Homicide Total of 435
Though just beginning the month of November, Chicago has already passed last year’s homicide total.
As of Monday, Chicago has seen 438 homicides, up from 435 last year.
According to The Grio, this is the first time since 2008 where the homicide total did not decrease from the previous year.
The high number of murders has brought attention to the city throughout much of this year, sparking discussions on violence and gun control.
In an MTV interview last Friday, President Barack Obama said, “I live on the South Side of Chicago. Some of these murders are happening just a few blocks from where I live. I have friends whose family members have been killed.”
“What I know is that gun violence is part of the issue,” he continued. “But part of the issue also is kids who feel so little hope and think their prospects for the future are so small that their attitude is, ‘I’m going to end up in jail or dead.’ And they will take all kinds of risks.”
Between the day of his interview and Monday, there were nine fatal shootings in Chicago and at least another 14 were wounded by gunfire.
What do you think explains the rise in homicides in Chicago this year?
What needs to be done to stem the tide of violence in our community?
Sound off below!