Chicago to Create Gun Violence Prevention Department

Chicago city leaders are set to announce their support for a dedicated Department of Gun Violence Prevention following a violent weekend that saw eight people killed and at least 38 wounded in shootings, according to multiple reports. The proposed department aims to address the surge in violence through coordinated efforts.

The weekend's violence began on Thursday evening with several incidents, including a drive-by shooting that left a 32-year-old man dead in the Chatham neighborhood and another fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Auburn Gresham. On Friday night, a red SUV pulled up to a crowd near West 95th Street, where two suspects opened fire, wounding 13 people aged between 17 and 47. Another shooting on Saturday night wounded three individuals during a large gathering in North Lawndale.

In response to the violence, Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his condolences and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. 'What should have been a night of celebration and community reflection for Juneteenth was shattered by a horrific act of violence,' Johnson said on X. President Donald Trump also weighed in, renewing his call for federal intervention to address crime in Chicago.

As the city grapples with the aftermath, community leaders and elected officials are looking for long-term solutions. Violence prevention advocates emphasize the need for continued support for those working on the streets every day. Research from Northwestern University found a 41% drop in violence after implementing Peacekeepers in more than 200 hotspots.

On Monday morning, Chicago Deputy Mayor for Community Safety Emmanuel Andre and other community leaders are expected to join together to call for the dedicated Department of Gun Violence Prevention. The move comes as part of a broader effort to reduce gun violence and support communities affected by the recent surge in shootings. Father Michael Pfleger criticized Trump's remarks, urging him to restore funding for gun violence prevention programs instead of suggesting federal intervention.

The proposed department plans to establish permanent funding and a coordination strategy to keep guns off the streets and prevent violence, while enlisting and paying out contracts to community groups for their help using input from a community advisory board made up partially of gun violence survivors. Organizers from Live Free Illinois say they plan to move funds already in the city's budget under this new department.

This year's budget earmarked $100 million for violence reduction, youth employment, victim services, officer wellness, and trauma-informed training. The group hopes to codify violence intervention into city law with at least $100 million allocated for the effort. 'This ordinance is about ensuring that the work of reducing gun violence is no longer dependent on politics but becomes a permanent responsibility of city government,' said Beth Brown with Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church.

Notably, Chicago police were not present at this announcement. The group said they had not talked to them yet, but foresee them as partners in the coordination team under this department. Alderman Ronnie Mosley expressed support for creating an office of gun violence reduction, stating that it creates accountability.