Gov. JB Pritzker announces $100 million investment to combat gun violence in Chicago

In a significant move to address the escalating gun violence crisis in Chicago, Governor JB Pritzker is set to unveil a $100 million investment aimed at expanding violence prevention programs in the city. The Governor emphasized that the pervasive gun violence in Chicago is a pressing public health issue that demands urgent attention. The funding will not only bolster existing programs but also extend support to initiatives in Englewood and New City, underscoring a comprehensive approach to combatting violence in the community. Lori Crowder, the executive director of the Alliance of Local Service Organizations, highlighted the critical role of community organizations in utilizing the $5 million in new funding for a range of essential services such as outreach, case management, victim support, employment, education, and mental health services. Crowder emphasized the correlation between employment opportunities and reduced violence, stressing the importance of investing in local communities to effect positive change. The announcement comes in the wake of a particularly violent holiday weekend in Chicago, with a staggering toll of 19 fatalities and 89 injuries from shootings over the extended 4th of July period. The grim reality of gun violence was further underscored by a spate of shootings overnight, with at least six incidents reported since 9 p.m. Tuesday resulting in multiple fatalities. The incidents included a 59-year-old man fatally shot while driving a tow truck, a 45-year-old man who succumbed to his injuries at a medical center, and an 18-year-old man tragically killed inside a residence. The need for enhanced federal enforcement measures was emphasized in response to the ongoing violence plaguing the South Shore neighborhood and beyond, underscoring the urgency of collaborative efforts to curb the alarming trend of gun-related incidents in Chicago.