Key facts
- At least seven people were killed and dozens injured in Chicago shootings since Friday.
- Donald Trump called for military intervention in Chicago via Truth Social.
- Trump questioned why Illinois Governor JB Pritzker had not requested military assistance.
- Governor Pritzker has previously rejected Trump's proposals for federalizing the National Guard.
- Chicago police reported at least two dozen shooting incidents since Friday evening.
- A crowd of 12 people was shot on Friday evening after an SUV pulled up and individuals began firing.
At least seven people were killed and dozens injured in a series of shootings in Chicago over the weekend. In response, President Donald Trump renewed his call for military intervention in the city, questioning why Illinois Governor JB Pritzker had not requested his assistance. Trump stated on Truth Social that he could make Chicago one of the safest cities in the U.S. within a year, referencing his administration's past deployments of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities.
However, a study by the Niskanen Center found that the National Guard's presence had minimal impact on violent crime in Washington D.C. Governor Pritzker has previously rejected Trump's proposals and even sued to block federalized National Guard deployments last year. A representative for Pritzker did not comment on Trump's latest remarks.
Chicago police data indicates a slight increase in shooting incidents compared to the same period last year, though overall violent crime rates have generally decreased in recent years, mirroring national trends. Preliminary information from the police department reported at least two dozen shooting incidents since Friday evening. One incident on Friday evening involved an SUV pulling up and two individuals opening fire on a crowd of 12 people, ranging in age from 17 to 47.
Among the deceased were a 33-year-old man, a 34-year-old man, and a 21-year-old man, in separate incidents. Most victims' identities have not yet been released. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the violence, calling it a shattering of the Juneteenth celebration and vowing accountability for those responsible.
Earlier on Friday, the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side welcomed its first visitors, with notable attendees including Joe Biden and George W. Bush, and performances by John Legend and Bruce Springsteen. Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett mentioned that Trump was not invited to the opening but would be welcome to tour the center.