CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After a mass shooting in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood left a young girl dead and 10 others wounded — including a toddler and two other kids — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said his administration has mobilized an initial response that will include canvassing, financial support and other victim services.
Johnson condemned what police described as a gang-related shooting as a “heinous and cowardly act of wanton violence.”
“We are all allowed to be outraged today — a warm, spring day that I am sure this child would have been enjoying with family,” the mayor said in a statement. “I am praying for her loved ones and her community as they experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child.”
Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Don Jerome said the shooting happened shortly after 9 p.m. near 52nd Street and Damen Avenue.
Jerome said a young girl was fatally shot in the head, while a 1-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy were each shot multiple times and were listed in critical condition. A bullet grazed the hand of a 9-year-old boy. He was listed in good condition.
The family was gathered for a birthday party outside when gunmen opened fire with assault rifles and handguns, according to a police report. There were 75 shell casings recovered from the scene, according to the report. The first officers at the scene began lifesaving measures, including applying tourniquets and chest seal bandages.
Johnson said the city’s initial response will include a so-called “mass canvassing event” at 52nd Street and Damen Avenue, as well as the surrounding blocks, on Monday at 2 p.m. The purpose will be to provide the community with access to behavioral teams, victim services and case management.
He also said the family whose child passed away would receive financial support via the Emergency Supplemental Victim’s fund program.
Beginning on Sunday, Johnson said the Emergency Services Assistance Center would provide resources to victims and their families.
The mayor added that there would be an increased Chicago police presence in 9th District schools.
No one was in custody following the attack. Witnesses told police that two shooters fled southbound on Damen Avenue after arriving in a black sedan.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
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