Chicago Reports Suicide Surge Among Black Youth Amid Violence Decline

President Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy the National Guard to patrol Chicago streets in response to rising violence, a move opposed by local leaders Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker. However, experts emphasize that public discourse on Chicago's violence must extend beyond homicide to include the significant rise in suicide rates, particularly among Black residents, with Black girls under 20 experiencing a 77% increase in suicides and over half of Black males using firearms for suicide. Despite the ongoing challenges, Chicago has experienced a notable decline in gun violence in 2025, with shooting victims down nearly 60% from 2021 and fewer shootings than any year since the mid-1960s, though the reasons for this drop remain unclear. Research shows youth firearm mortality varies by developmental stage and location, with homicides surging among adolescents in metropolitan areas and suicide being the leading cause of death among younger adolescents, especially in rural settings. Additionally, children in disadvantaged zip codes face significantly higher risks of gunshot injuries, highlighting the intersection of socioeconomic factors and firearm violence. Experts advocate for prevention strategies that address both violence and suicide, and community investment programs aiming to build social ties as a method to reduce violence.