At Least 30 Shot, 5 Dead in Chicago Weekend Violence

Chicago experienced a violent weekend with at least 30 people shot, including five fatalities, amidst ongoing criticism of the city's gun control policies and leadership. Victims ranged in age from 16 to 62, with several shootings involving young adults and incidents occurring in various neighborhoods. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration has faced scrutiny for declaring parts of the city "ICE-free zones," which critics argue undermines federal law enforcement efforts amid rising crime. Johnson has blamed federal gun trafficking and other states for Chicago's gun violence but has also been criticized for his stance against law enforcement and reluctance to enforce stricter measures. Despite stringent gun control laws at both city and state levels, including bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, gun violence persists at alarming levels. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between local policies prioritizing leniency and calls for stronger law enforcement intervention to address the city's crime surge.