CHICAGO (WLS) — Saint Sabina Church is set to undergo some temporary changes in response to recent events.
Effective immediately, the church has halted its Sunday men’s basketball games. This decision follows a shooting incident near the church last weekend, which resulted in three individuals being injured.
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According to Father Michael Pfleger, a dispute during a basketball game escalated into gunfire, leading to the unfortunate injuries.
Fr. Pfleger emphasized that the priority now is identifying and apprehending the individual responsible for the shooting.
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In light of this incident, the decision to suspend the basketball games was made in the interest of community safety.
Father Pfleger also mentioned that the shooting was recorded on video, which has been handed over to the Chicago police to assist in their ongoing investigation.
Saint Sabina Church hopes this leads to an arrest soon.
“The reality is, three people were shot and it happened outside of our buildings and I take that very personal,” Fr. Pfleger said. “People know what we stand for here. We know how to feel about guns, about violence. And they disrespected, not just Sabina, but they violated a community that has worked really hard. Residents and police worked really hard to be safe around here.”
Father Pfleger said for their youth leagues they pat down and search bags before people come into the gym and they may have to rethink and start doing it for their adult leagues too.
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