Chicago mayor demands cooperation after mass shooting at funeral
Mayor Lori Lightfoot says, 'We cannot give shelter to killers. People know who are responsible'
A solemn memorial service, marking the end of life for a victim of gun violence, became a gruesome crime scene when at least 15 people were struck by bullets as they stood outside of a funeral home in Chicago.
The shooting happened on Tuesday, and local reports are stating that there were 10 female victims and five male victims all ranging in age from 21 to 65 years old.
READ MORE: Tyler Perry to pay for the funeral of Atlanta girl, 8, killed in shooting
According to CBS2, Chicago mayor, Lori Lightfoot, is pleading with her community to cooperate with police to bring the shooter to justice.
“While families were mourning at a funeral in Auburn Gresham, cowardly gunmen opened fire, wounding 14 in a horrific mass shooting,” Lightfoot tweeted, “@Chicago_Police are canvassing for evidence and street outreach teams have been deployed to provide trauma and victim support services for residents.”
She continued, “We cannot give shelter to killers. People know who are responsible.”
Lightfoot said, “Too many guns are on our streets and in the hands of people who should never possess them. These individuals will be held accountable.” She encouraged anyone who has information to come forward and submit a tip anonymously.
Reports also say that the victims’ injuries ranged from serious to critical condition. One woman was shot multiple times.
CBS2 found that one woman was an innocent bystander who lives next to the funeral home. It is alleged that she had stepped outside of her home to smoke a cigarette, when she was caught in the gunfire.
READ MORE: 150 federal agents to be deployed to Chicago: report
The funeral was for 31-year-old Donnie Weathersby, who was shot and killed the previous week. Police had been warned there could be retaliation at the funeral and a squad car was assigned, but that was not enough to stop the mass shooting.
The unfortunate mass shooting comes during the same week when President Donald Trump has committed to sending 150 federal troops to quell the violence in Chicago. Law enforcement personnel in military fatigues were seen near the scene of the shooting, but it is unknown if they were federal agents.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
