CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A South Side alderman is suggesting a number of ways to bring Chicago’s violence under control.
Ald. David Moore’s 17th Ward office is a few blocks down from 79th Street, where 15 people were shot Tuesday outside a funeral home in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood.
He had left the office moments before the shooting and says Chicago is not alone in experiencing increases in violence.
"New York's numbers are going up. Everybody’s numbers are going up. Why? Because this is a national issue."
Moore said federal help is needed to stop the flow of illegal guns and drugs. But he adds Illinois could create a “families first” commission that offer young men other options besides gang life.
“Government can’t do it alone. There has to be some private money in here because it’s economics that got us here and so it’s going to be economics to get us out of here,” he said.
Moore calls for billions of dollars to be invested by government and private sectors in communities with high crime and unemployment.
Ald. Moore says there also has to be a strengthened witness-protection program so that residents aren’t intimidated about coming forward with information about shootings.
Residents have a responsibility, too, to try to make their communities safer and healthier, he said.
"Make those calls. Continue to form those block clubs. It makes a difference."
President Trump on Wednesday said he's sending hundreds of federal law enforcment officers to Chicago to target violent offenders.