As Chicago police officials struggle to get control of the city’s wave of gun violence, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson is finding fault with the judicial system for being lax on repeat offenders, the Daily Mail reports.
Johnson slammed judges and prosecutors for failing to levy heavy consequences against criminals and choosing instead to release them back into the streets, which Johnson believes in part of the problem. Johnson said there’s only so much police can do.
This past weekend was the second bloodiest weekend of the year in Chicago. More than 58 people were shot and seven were killed, NBC reports.
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‘These Shootings Are Not Random’
The spasm of gun violence claimed the lives of at least four teens, according to reports.
“These shootings are not random,” Johnson added. “They’re fueled by gang conflicts. We know who they are.
“If people don’t give us the information we need, and our judicial partners don’t hold them accountable, would you stop if that’s what you wanted to do? You know, it’s ridiculous.”
“As long as we fail to create repercussions for carrying and using illegal guns, or more importantly, hold repeat violent offenders accountable for their actions, we’re simply going to continue to have these discussions on Monday mornings,” said Johnson.
Earlier this month, the city saw 12 people shot dead and 59 injured over the first weekend of August as President Donald Trump blamed mayor Rahm Emanuel’s lack of leadership for the crisis.
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In May, some 61 people were shot in the volatile city. Earlier this month, at least 41 people were shot.
A few weeks ago, Chief of Patrol Fred Waller assured residents repeatedly that “this city will not be defeated” by senseless violence.
“We can’t ever measure what we prevent…less victims, that’s how we measure our success,” he said.