
(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Two separate mass shootings within two hours of each other Sunday night has the Chicago Police Department adjusting its summer safety strategy.
Chicago police say both shootings — which left two people dead and more than a dozen others injured — were gang-related.
At a press conference Monday morning, Supt. David Brown again blamed illegal guns and the court system’s relatively lenient treatment of gun offenders.
He said the Chicago Police Department will undertake “precision deployments” in areas that could see trouble. This will include stopping at the homes of gang members in hopes of preventing violence, Brown said.
“We go to their house, knock on their door and try to intervene in some ways with social services, street outreach and violence interrupters,” he said.
The upcoming 4th of July holiday is also one of the most historically violent weekends in Chicago. Brown said CPD will be out in full force at any large gatherings, including those on the lakefront.
Chicago Police officers will also have extended shifts and canceled days off for the holiday weekend.