8 People Killed in Chicago Riots, Politicians Criticized
This past weekend in Chicago was devastating, with 24 shootings resulting in 39 victims and at least eight fatalities. Host Maria Bartiromo from “Mornings with Maria” discussed the outcome, while Liz Peek took aim at local politicians for their failure to address the ongoing crime issues.
Separate incidents led to three deaths and at least 16 injuries, according to initial police reports.
Malik Lightsell, 34, faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault on peace officers, and illegal possession of a firearm linked to one of these incidents. He reportedly fled from a traffic stop in the South Chicago area just before 5 p.m. on Friday, leading to a foot chase that ended in an altercation with police.
During that struggle, Lightsell allegedly drew a weapon and fired, hitting one officer in the abdomen. Fortunately, the officer’s bulletproof vest prevented serious injury, but in return fire, Lightsell was struck himself.
Another officer was also shot in the arm, but again, the vest offered protection. All three—both officers and Lightsell—were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Both officers are reported to be in good condition, while Lightsell remains in critical condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The shooting events form part of a larger issue, with 11 recorded incidents across the city over a short span from Friday evening to late Sunday night. In this period alone, 16 people were injured, with three fatalities.
Notably, six individuals aged 17 to 20 were hurt in an early Sunday shooting on the West Side, and just minutes before, a 17-year-old girl suffered life-threatening injuries in a nearby incident. Additionally, a 33-year-old man was killed on the West Side, alongside another man found seriously hurt inside a residence.
While the statistics may seem grim, they do show improvement compared to last year’s Fourth of July weekend, which recorded 32 shootings and 44 deaths.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability continues to investigate officer-involved shootings.
