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A man gunned down Thursday on Chicago's West Side marked what police say is the city's 500th homicide of the year. It's a dubious distinction that hasn't occurred since 2008, when the city ended the year with 512 murders.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel called the total "an unfortunate and tragic milestone, which not only marks a needless loss of life but serves as a reminder of the damage that illegal guns and conflicts between gangs cause in our neighborhoods."
"The brave officers of the Chicago Police Department work tirelessly to continually reduce crime, but this is not just a law enforcement issue," Emanuel said in a statement.
Around noon Friday, News Affairs released a statement to clarify that Chicago's murder total remains at 499 because classification of one death investigation remains pending. They would not specify which death is pending.
Police released few details about the shooting in the 4900 block of West Augusta.
The man, identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as 40-year-old Nathaniel T. Jackson, was shot around 9 p.m. and pronounced dead at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital at 12:18 a.m.
Tawfik Salman, owner of Noah Foods, said he heard four or five gunshots and dropped to the floor.
"It was pop pop pop pop," Salman said. "We seen a guy laying down in front of the store. I just went to the phone and called police."
According to police, homicides are up 17 percent from last year and shootings up 11 percent..
"It's sad you know. I guess this is part of the violence in Chicago," Salman said. "It's a sad thing that's going on."
At a peace dinner held Thursday, residents came together to talk about ways to end violence. Alderman Anthony Beale, who is running for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s old 2nd Congressional District seat, said Supt. Garry McCarthy needs to change strategies.
"His philosophy is not working," Beale said. "We need to put resources where the problems are, and then you will see crime drop across the city."
Chicago surpassed 2011's 435 murder total in October
Police said Chicago's 499th homicide victim was a man who died after he was shot at least four times – including in the face and chest – in a Gage Park neighborhood alley Wednesday night on the Southwest Side.
Frederico Martinez, of the 5400 block of South California Avenue, died from gunshot wounds he suffered near his home, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
Police said the 32-year-old Martinez was standing with a female in an alleyway down the block from his home when a light-colored pick-up truck approached and somebody inside opened fire.
Martinez was shot in the face, chest and both arms and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he died at 10:41 p.m., authorities said.
Behind the troubling statistics, flashing lights and crime tape, communities throughout the city are searching for solutions.
"There's no magic spell that can end it. It's a matter of people and neighborhoods coming together and deciding that it's not going to happen," said neighbor Robert Grider.
Larry Pickens, who is running in the special election in the 2nd Congressional seat, offered a few suggestions Thursday: "Teaching our young people alternative dispute resolution, non-violent strategies for addressing conflict and getting guns off the street."
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Ban anger, hatred and intolerance towards all mankind and we will solve the crime issues.
Be sure to have that handy when you see a gun barrel pointed in your direction.
Right up the street from where i growed up back in the late 1960s. Things were not like that back then. The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun, is a good guy with a gun. The police OBVIOUSLY need to do more BECAUSE private citizens cannot own/possess firearms in Chicago. Oh, wait, mebbe dat's da problem. Duh!
One of the reasons is the budget cut of the police department.
500...Nice round number. Those gun laws are not working. Ask any prision inmate if he gives a @!$%# about gun laws. The Mayor of Chigago is a douche... Way to make a point for the NRA.
They need more gun control... that's the liberal Democratic answer.....never mind they have some of the strictest in the Country....
Just another example of our country falling apart and what's to come. This is due to our government's out of control spending, all of the entitlement programs, and the fact that we are over-populated and inundated with crap from other countries that don't belong in the U.S.A. Our government is out of control and doesn't know what the Hell they are doing. None of them give a — — — _! It's going to get much worse because our government has spent and given away all of our money.
And...they still want to hike the taxes because none of them know what the Hell they are doing. They only know how to spend, spend, spend, spend, spend.
As for the comments about Feinstein, she's ruined California. They've bled our state dry. Between she and Boxer, California is bankrupt and a cesspool. I know, I was born and raised in California and I am 60 years old. Our state is over run with illegal aliens (Mexicans) and it's a cesspool. Come to Los Angeles and you'll see what a cesspool it is. We are almost as bad as Chicago.
They've just decided not to air their dirty laundry because it would affect tourism if people knew how frickin dangerous it is.
debi4buddy@yahoo.com
You are right on Point! I have you beat by 15 years! And I agree with all you say! Our once Golden State is now (as you say) a cesspool! Thanks to illegal immigration, Gangs and politicians like Feinstein And Boxer along with "Moonbeam"! Our local legislators (Most) are bluntly CORRUPT! Once they get in office, with their salary & perks, it is not longer "one for all and all for one"! It's all for me and screw the rest of you!...I'm too old to move, but if could.....I would be gone tomorrow! The problem is where do you go? Our Country is "Out of Control".....Maybe Boise! Anyway, unless the Morons who voted for "The Annointed One" along with "Moonbeam" and the likes of Feinstein, Boxer, and Pelosi awake from their delirium, Our children and their children (I truly believe it) are doomed! Our Country is on the way to becoming a Crime Infested, "give me" Third World Country.......Truly sad! Try and explain what we have personally witnessed to "Young People" today! It's hopeless! All they can do is "cell Phone" and text with each other as they sit together in a booth or a movie!!! And wonder where can they get Free Condoms!
Chicago has tough gun laws and Illinois is the only state that does not allow concealed weapon permits (a federal court has ordered that they do so). This is what happens with tough gun laws - mayhem!
SO, where is the outrage? Horrible that 26 were killed in Conn.,,but,,,500????? Let's see,,,365 days in a year divided by 500,,,hmmmm. And there is no minute by minute TV coverage? Not sure I get the difference? Someone, please explain to me why 500 can be killed at a rate of almost 2 per day and no one screams, yells or talks about gun laws!
They already have the strictest gun laws in the country. Methinks their strict gun laws may not be working. Wake up !
Robert in Oregon
It appears you have studied and learned a whole lot about the nuances of killing people with guns. Ever think of taking up a more wholesome hobby? Food for thought.
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See, that's the problem. You read something and then twist it to try and fit your agenda. I'm a hunter. I've seen the effects of different rounds on animals at various ranges.
The gun shops love this in Kentucky. Why you ask? Because they are knowingly and gladly selling the guns to smugglers who they know will in turn sell the guns to the gangs. Gun laws in Chicago don't work because KY has gun laws as loose as can be.
Now if the gun sales laws were stricter nationwide, it is true, guns would still find their ways to gangs. But in far fewer numbers, at far greater costs, tying up gang-banger money. And there would be risks and consequences for those KY gun dealers. It's just way too easy for them today.
One more thing about Greater Chicagoland. Yeah, the city is Democratic. But the surrounding 'burbs are mostly Republican. There is a high incidence of infanticide and grotesque family murder that occurs in the Republican 'burbs. Stuff life burning all the kids alive, or drowning them in the tub, then suicide. Or maybe a mass shooting, then suicide. Very high-strung family dynamics. It is a pressure-cooker mentality, everybody stuck in traffic, rush, rush, rushing, pushing you out of the way, rude to the max, if you get my drift. I've lived there, in Southern California, in northern Florida and in R.I., so I can compare and contrast. Living in Northern Illiinois was unpleasant.
I lived in both the city area and the 'burbs. Generally, the city murders are gang-on-gang. The suburban murders are family murder with suicide. So cut the nonsense about, "It's all because of the Democrats." You don't have a clue and likely never lived there, maybe never even visited there. You are just demonstrating true ignorance.
God what a douchebag you are Chris
This is how Obama envisions America in the future. A citry run by Democrats, in a state run by Democrats, with high taxes, who made it impossible for normal people to own guns.
This is very sad, and yet I am surprised that this is even reportable on MSN. You know I listen or read some of the worst name calling and banter on this site, but I am going to call it what it is. You Feisty, Pigot, American Girl are racist! You want to jump on the band wagon when 20 innocent Children are gunned down in "Norman Rockwell America" but you can't even comment when another out of work, uneducated, frustrated American from the President's supposed own backyard is killed. So the party of Dems didn't see a photo op here?
2nd amendment guarantees us the right to bear arms, but also has 20,000 laws on the books that are neither enforced or totally ineffective. Now to all the lefties, there is the 1st amendment, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech. They also espouse that the "pen is mightier than the sword" but I don't think there are 20,000 laws guiding them along. The 1st has been stretched and pulled to take away the real meaning of it. Timothy McVey killed over 160+ people in Oklahoma City, which included 19 children UNDER the age of 6 plus wounded over 600. BUT you can still buy fertilizer, racing fuel and rent a box truck to carry it all. We need to find ways to keep the lunatics off the streets and into institutions. The bad guys are always going to have guns, they do not and will obey any gun laws, and Chicago is a goos example. As far as the tragedy in Conneticut, I believe the mother carries the burden there. Teaching a brain damaged kid how to shoot plus keeping the guns, in the house instead of renting a locker at the gun range with only she being able to retrieve them would have stopped this tragedy, maybe. That kid was going to kill that day if he had to use a hammer or an axe. Enforce the 20,000 gun laws on the books, make a crime committed with a gun an automatic life sentence, and give the people the right to open or conceal carry. Getting a sentence of 14 years for a plea bargained 2nd degree murder charge is wrong.
It isn't about gun control or any politics in my opinion. It is a busted up society. The inner city culture is full of reckless people who lack skills to find gainful employment and for sure lack compassion for human life. I painted this with a broad brush. Not saying every inner city or urban environment and not everyone living there but while the jury may be out still I have seen enough to judge. It starts at home. Strong family and education is important to not fall into the cracks and resort to the BS.
Of course the chances of any of this going away are slim. That culture is the new norm. The kill or be killed, I am going to get me some attitude is what makes the urban areas so dangerous. Maybe the politicians had something to do with how some of these cities are trending but the ball is rolling and good luck stopping it.
they obviously like the killing, as they keep voting the same morons into office, i guess thats so they can keep up the good work??? maybe the illegal alien muslim built such a nice prison that they all want to live there??? anyhow they should have the criminal element killed off in a couple hundred years, and the city will be free to vote in some intelligent people, that is if there are any left????
Maybe when every human being in Chicago is dead will the NRA take notice. Then again, don't bet on it.
What does the NRA have to do with the Chicago shootings? What have they got to do with illegal guns in the hands of criminals?
If you have no criminal or psychiatric record, but now you want to kill someone with a gun, the NRA and its supporters want nothing to stand in the way of you getting your hands on one. After all, you're a "law-abiding citizen" with "2nd amendment rights."
Fine stay locked in your basement Tom while Chicago rots
Doooooon't Worrrry Abooout it ! Just a little gene pool cleansing going on. Only 50,000 give or take a couple million and maybe the gene pool will --- in Chicago at least, might become clean again. Can always hope.
Once upon a time someday in the future, I am hoping that the majority becomes convinced that there is not "just one" solution to this problem.
The human behavior aspect, controlling gun availability to those who have no self-control;in my opinion; will have the most immediate effect on the number of "mass murderers. In reading statistics, I was surprised that the number killed in mass shootings AND the number of mass shootings is far less than what I expected. Because of the number of deaths per shooter, though, priority #1.
Right behind that is controlling gun availability to those with a history of domestic or other violent acts, gun related or not.
The vetting process for gun ownership should not be "more restrictive" for legitimate applicants, but I would like to see personal history be more thorough to include who may have access to the guns in the applicant's home.
I would also like to see a comprehensive gun safety course required, as well as gunshot first aid training.
I also think stricter storage requirements are in order for both guns and ammunition.
I would like to see anyone who buys a gun for someone on the "restricted list" be held accountable for any crimes committed just as if they committed the crime themselves. If someone asked me to purchase a gun for them, you can bet your sweet a** they will provide me a copy of their "police records"....and I'll say no way anyway if not an immediate family member.
I also would like to see the it become part of the theory of law, that an individual who murders forfiets their right to life.
Case in point....the shooting of the firemen in NY by Lake Ontario last week.....the shooter should never have been released after killing his grandma, and the lady who purchased the weapons for him should be prosecuted as a participant in the crime.
There are many, many more ways to eliminate violent use of guns than outlawing them altogether. I own one of the guns considered to be an assault rifle. It would suck to see the money I paid go down the drain, but if the majority decide the ban should be reinstated.....as a member of the U.S. society I would yeild to the majority. Isn't that part of the compromise of living in a community. But I don't think that is even necessary if we focus onkeeping the guns out of the wrong hands and eliminating violent criminals from society....permenantly.
Nice post Tom, although I don't completely agree I agree with enough. It's well thought out with a BRAIN that's rare here. Thank you
Thanx, Jagfannn.....
When I am elected boss of the world, I will institue a lot of ideas I think will make a difference.
BTW.....where do you see fault. I ain't the type to freak out over constructive criticism.
Is it the part about giving up assault rifles?
This really is very funny...
We have a liberal city, run by liberal fools, that have hundreds of shooting a year and yet they have no idea on how to stop it and why cause no one can carry a gun to shoot the bad guys except the cops and in chicago that's just like the thugs!
Their THUG hugging ways are biting them in the a$$ now and have been for some time. THAT'S why they don't report on it
May I make so bold as to mention that Emanuel made the point that ILLEGAL guns are being used in these crimes? So further disarming NONcriminals is supposed to improve the situation? Better he should emulate Sheriff Arpaio in Arizona and put armed ("posse") citizens in place!
The gun laws are not working. The prison system is not working. Two out of three murderers are still running free. Plee barganing sets most free quickly.
Now, if we could just get the illegally armed nuts to go after those making these laws, we might all be able to sit back and enjoy the show.
How's that gun control working out for you (BAM BAM BAM), Chicago? When is Barry going to give a speech and tear up about the hundreds murdered by guns in Chicago??
More or less blaming Mr. Obama, right Bill?
How bout giving us more than a one sentence blaming of someone you oppose. How bout a rundown on what it will take to come up with meaningful effective legislation for this problem.
How bout looking at my post # 519 above....ya' see, meaningful discussion of solutions is gonna require more than uneducated blaming of one person for the problem.
And dissing a man for shedding a tear over the murder of 27 people....you are a wonderful example of a real man capable of empathy for the victims.
You cannot legislate away random violent acts of mentally troubled people. Funny, you ban all personal guns and what do the mentally trouble people use...... GUNS! If there were no guns they would just pick up something else, in China guns are scarce because of laws and the weapon of choice for violence there is a knife.
What the hell difference does it make if the gun is legal or illegal, if you're the one getting shot? The problem is that guns are too available, thanks to all our gun-loving friends.
Tom in Chitown, that must include ball bats, automobiles, lamps, kitchen knives etc., etc., which have all been used to murder someone, are all to available. The bad guys will always be armed no matter how many laws you institue.
Your fellow city folk doing the shooting Tom are criminals they aren't buying guns they are stealing them and I'm assuming couldn't LEGALLY purchase one anyway. So maybe just maybe if they allow your fellow RESPONSIBLE citizens to arm themselves for protection you can take your war torn streets back.
Tom,
When you are in that line to turn in your gun, please find out how many in that line are criminals and nut jobs. Zero ? They will be keeping their guns, so I think us good guys need to keep ours.
Jag, more and more I am reading about guns that were made available to those who shouldn't have them by "friends and boy/girlfriends.
We need to squash these idiots like a bug.
Why can't people figure out that a person who needs to have someone purchase a gun for them shouldn't have one.