by CHICAGO, Illinois — A violent Labor Day weekend has left at least 43 people shot, including seven fatalities, across Chicago, according to the Chicago Police Department. The shootings come as discussions intensify over whether the Trump administration could deploy the National Guard to the city to address its persistent gun violence crisis.
Fatal Shooting in South Shore
The first reported fatality of the weekend occurred late Friday night in South Shore. Police said the shooting happened around 11:56 p.m. in the 7700-block of South Essex Avenue.
Inside an apartment, officers found two women with gunshot wounds. A 25-year-old woman was shot twice in the abdomen and once in the left leg. She was rushed to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The second woman’s condition has not been disclosed.
Deadly Incident in East Garfield Park
On Saturday morning, violence spread to East Garfield Park, where a man was gunned down.
Around 11:01 a.m., police reported that two men, ages 29 and 32, were standing outside on the 500-block of North Sawyer when a dark-colored SUV pulled up. A suspect exited the vehicle and opened fire in their direction.
The 29-year-old man was struck multiple times and transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he later died. The second man’s injuries were not detailed.
Woman Killed in Altgeld Gardens
That same evening, tragedy unfolded in the Altgeld Gardens neighborhood. Around 7:46 p.m., a 43-year-old woman was approached by five male suspects in the 900-block of East 131st Street.
Police said the suspects began shooting, striking the woman several times. She was taken to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries. No arrests have been made.
Englewood Argument Turns Deadly
In Englewood, a 33-year-old man was fatally shot during an argument early Sunday morning. The shooting happened around 2:52 a.m. in the 6300-block of South Elizabeth Street.
Police said the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head and died at the scene. No suspects are currently in custody.
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Multiple Injured in Bronzeville Drive-By
One of the most violent incidents occurred in Bronzeville on Saturday night. Around 11:10 p.m., at least seven people were shot in the 3500-block of South State Street after suspects carried out a drive-by shooting.
All of the victims were transported to local hospitals. Police said their injuries were non-life-threatening, and all are expected to survive.
Humboldt Park Shooting Injures Four
Just after 1 a.m. on Sunday, gunfire erupted in Humboldt Park. Police said four people were shot in the 2700-block of West Haddon Avenue. Details about their conditions remain limited, but officials confirmed all victims were hospitalized.
Triple Shooting Leaves One Dead in Pilsen
Another deadly shooting happened in Pilsen around 1:39 a.m. Sunday in the 1900-block of West 17th Street.
Three men, ages 41, 43, and 46, were standing outside when an armed suspect approached and opened fire. The 46-year-old man was shot multiple times and later died at the hospital. The other two men sustained leg injuries and are expected to recover.
Teen Boy Wounded in Lawndale
Gun violence also impacted Chicago’s youth. A 14-year-old boy was shot on the city’s West Side in the Lawndale neighborhood.
Police said the incident happened around 5 p.m. on Sunday in the 1500-block of South Christiana Avenue. The boy was near the sidewalk when someone walked up, pulled a gun, and fired shots.
The teenager was struck in the arm and hand but was able to get himself to St. Anthony Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.
Rising Tensions and Federal Response
The surge in shootings over the holiday weekend comes as the Trump administration weighs deploying the National Guard to Chicago in an effort to curb ongoing gun violence. City leaders and community members remain divided on whether such a measure would improve safety or escalate tensions.
Chicago continues to face an alarming wave of gun violence, leaving families devastated and communities on edge. Do you believe stronger federal intervention like the National Guard will help reduce crime, or should local leaders and community programs take the lead?
Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com and join the conversation about how Chicago can move forward.
