Nation

Chicago Police report 72 shot, 11 fatally this weekend, including one of their own

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2021

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By Jenny Goldsberry

Gun violence over the weekend wounded 72 and killed 11 in Chicago. According to the Sun-Times Media Wire, a Chicago Police officer was among those killed. So far, 150 have fallen victim to shootings this people month alone with 23 deaths.

Chicago Police Officer Ella French died from gunshot wounds following a traffic stop Saturday night. Meanwhile, she was able to return fire, hitting one of the three suspects involved. Her partner was also caught in the crossfire, but is still in critical condition. As a result, according to Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown, all three suspects are under arrest.

“I’m asking Chicago to wrap their arms around our police officers today and encourage them to continue their great work in protecting us all,” Brown said Sunday. French, along with her partner, are the 10th and 11th officers shot so far this year.

Chicago Police Union President John Catanzara also praised French in a Facebook live video Sunday. “Our city is less safe today because Officer French is no longer with us,” Catanzara said.

Two young people did what we asked of them: service over self. And one paid with her life.
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) August 8, 2021

Then, Mayor Lori Lightfoot asked for the politicized conversation surrounding police to stop. In a tweet, she claimed the “common enemy” is “guns and the violence they bring.”

The majority of shootings happened just from Saturday night to Sunday morning alone. Over various gunman shot 41 people in the span of 10 hours.

Most recently, a man committed a mass shooting inside a lounge early Monday morning. After he started an argument with another man with him, he shot the other man, killing him. The gunman himself got shot eight times, but is still in critical condition at Christ Medical Center.

Featured

Historic House Vote Expels Rep. George Santos Amidst Scandal

Published

4 hours ago

December 1, 2023

Alexander Carter

In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.

Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.

Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.

Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.

Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.

Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.