Chicago police, Mayor Brandon Johnson address safety concerns for July 4, 2025 weekend after River North mass shooting
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago leaders on Thursday addressed concerns about safety during the upcoming holiday weekend.

A mass shooting in River North on Wednesday night and another incident wounding four individuals on the city’s South Side early Thursday serve as stark reminders that violence can occur anywhere in the city.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The police superintendent offered assurances Thursday that the strategic plan is one that is city-wide.

“Certainly frustrated and angered by this senseless and cowardice act of violence,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Johnson says he will not stand for the kind of violence that happened in River North.

Police describe the deadly mass shooting as a targeted attack, involving multiple weapons, which resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to another 14 outside a private event.

“We want to ensure justice for these families, and we also aim to remove individuals who are this violent and careless from the streets,” stated CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling.

The Fourth of July weekend often brings large crowds downtown and to popular places like the lakefront beaches, which police say will get extra attention this weekend as part of the overall safety plan.

RELATED: River North mass shooting victims include hairstylist, health care worker | What we know

“So what I can assure you is that Chicago Police Department will be out in full force, making sure that we’re keeping the city safe and protecting lives from one end of this city to the other,” Snelling said.

Community groups focused on preventing violence will also be spread out in key areas of the city, as they often do on summer weekends.

“So for us, as the Crisis Response Unit, you know, we’ll be paying attention and monitoring our hotspots,” crisis responder Rodney Phillips said. “We understand the task and what we’re up against. All we can do is do our best.”

Like police, they will focus on places like parks or the lakefront, where large crowds will gather this weekend. And the city is asking them to step up their efforts.

“We are expanding and extending the hours of CVI (Community Violence Intervention), so that these community violence interrupters can be in places strategically and longer to provide more support within these communities,” Johnson said.

Police are on alert for possible retaliation from Wednesday night’s shooting.

“Anything that we uncover, and there’s a possibility of retaliation, we would have an idea of where that retaliation can occur. And we would put resources in place to prevent that,” Snelling said.

Police are asking that anyone with information about the River North shooting please come forward, or even send in anonymous tips.

They are looking into the possibility that shooting itself may have been in retaliation for a previous incident.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cowboys to support Marshawn Kneeland pregnant girlfriend, unborn child 'for the rest of their lives'

Dallas Cowboys Commit to Lifelong Support for Marshawn Kneeland’s Pregnant Partner and Future Child

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys community is reeling from the tragic…
Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized in Chicago amid Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) diagnosis, sources say

Rev. Jesse Jackson Hospitalized in Chicago Following PSP Diagnosis: Latest Updates

In a development that has captured widespread attention, civil rights leader Reverend…
Netanyahu: Israel Not Seeking Long-Term U.S. Military Aid — Pursuing ‘Greater Independence’

Netanyahu Announces Israel’s Shift Toward Military Self-Reliance Over Long-Term U.S. Aid

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly dismissed reports suggesting that…
Mega Millions jackpot rolls to $980 million for Friday 11/14/25 live drawing

Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $980 Million for Live Drawing on Friday, November 14, 2025

The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to a staggering $980 million for…
With shutdown over, Senate focus turns to upcoming fight on health care

Senate Shifts Attention to Upcoming Health Care Debate Post-Shutdown

Washington — With the recent government shutdown now concluded, the Senate’s attention…
Arrest made in shooting of ‘Last Chance U’ star, Coach John Beam

Suspect Apprehended in Shooting of ‘Last Chance U’ Icon Coach John Beam: Breaking Update

An individual has been apprehended in relation to the shooting of John…
Legendary Oakland football coach, Netflix star shot after gunman opens fire at California college

Renowned Oakland Football Coach and Netflix Personality Injured in Shooting Incident at California College

The Oakland Police Department is actively probing an incident in which a…
Americans report dramatic drop in importance of faith, poll finds

Shocking Poll Reveals Dramatic Decline in Faith’s Importance Among Americans

‘Pitt for Jesus’ event draws nearly 600 attendees Jake Overman, a tight…
Legal group accuses Virginia public school district of felony after hosting Dem political rally for free

Legal Action Taken Against Virginia School District Over Free Political Rally Hosting

A public-interest litigation firm, known for its nonpartisan stance, is urging a…
Judge that ordered release of 600 Chicago illegal immigrants slammed by DHS as activist putting lives at risk

Controversial Judge’s Decision to Release 600 Immigrants in Chicago Sparks DHS Backlash Over Public Safety Concerns

A federal judge in Chicago has mandated the Department of Homeland Security…
NYPD officer leaps into freezing river to save teenage girl from drowning

Heroic NYPD Officer Bravely Rescues Teen from Icy Waters

In a courageous act, three officers from the NYPD saved a teenage…
South Carolina triple murderer set to be third man to die by firing squad in state this year

South Carolina Prepares for Execution of Third Inmate by Firing Squad in 2023

A South Carolina man convicted of murdering three individuals over two decades…