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
'General Hospital' star Tristan Rogers announces cancer diagnosis

‘General Hospital’ Actor Tristan Rogers Reveals He Is Battling Cancer

The Australian actor first appeared on “General Hospital” more than 40 years…
Lombard teen boy accused of plotting explosion, act of terror at Glendale Heights Islamic Education Center on Goodrich Avenue: FBI

Lombard Teen Charged with Planning Terror Attack on Glendale Heights Islamic Center: FBI

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — A 16-year-old boy from Lombard has been…
Suspect in decapitated man's death withdraws plea.

“Suspect Breaks Down in Court After Lover’s Decapitated Body Found Smoldering in Bed – Head Still Unrecovered”

A WOMAN charged with the murder of her lover, who was also…
Police search former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's home, political headquarters

Authorities Conduct Search at Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s Residence and Political Offices

Reports indicate that Brazilian police have searched both the residence and political…
Legal pathway clearly exists for Trump's request to make Epstein grand jury testimony public

Legal Avenue Available for Trump to Unseal Epstein Grand Jury Testimony

Grand jury records, particularly those related to Jeffrey Epstein, are usually kept…
Chris Gotterup is more than a British Open dark horse

Chris Gotterup: A Strong Contender at the British Open

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Lee Westwood, a former top-ranked player, known for…
Parents believe daughter who vanished from cruise ship 27 years ago is still alive

Family Holds Hope that Daughter Who Disappeared from Cruise 27 Years Ago Survives

It’s been 27 years since Amy Bradley disappeared, yet her father, Ron…
Jacksonville teen starts petition to keep MOSH open

Jacksonville Teen Initiates Petition to Prevent MOSH Closure

MOSH plans to close its Southbank location at the end of August…
Rubio announces visa revocations on Brazilian judge for 'political witch hunt' against ex-president Bolsonaro

Rubio Reveals Visa Revocations for Brazilian Judge Over ‘Political Witch Hunt’ Against Former President Bolsonaro

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions on a Brazilian…

Tech CEO Andy Byron Entangled in ‘Scandal’: Former Employees Label Him as ‘Toxic Boss’ and React with Laughter

CAMERA-SHY Andy Byron was a toxic boss, an ex-colleague of the Astronomer…
Willow Springs man William O'Brien charged in Western Springs home invasions, attack, car theft, police say

Willow Springs Resident William O’Brien Arrested for Western Springs Home Invasions, Assault, and Car Theft, Police Report

WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. (WLS) — A 36-year-old man from Willow Springs is…
Slovenia approves law to legalize assisted dying for terminally-ill adults

Slovenia Passes Law Allowing Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults

Slovenian legislators have become pioneers in Eastern Europe by passing a law…