Remember when we said gun violence was a problem in the Chicago area? Since 5:20 p.m. yesterday, 19 people have been shot in Chicago, including 13 in a 30-minute period. Between 9:15 and 9:45, a war erupted between members of the Black P Stone Rangers street gang right where 79th Street and Essex Avenue intersect. All of the victims were between the ages of 14 and 28.
This is the second time this year that a shooting has occurred at that intersection. Back in February, two people were killed and another five suffered injuries. The murder rate in Chicago has risen by a staggering 31 percent since last year, while gun violence is up by 8 percent.
Please. We have to be better.
