Chicago shooting: Emergency assistance center opens at St. Sabina Church after 7 teenagers shot in Auburn Gresham, police say
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Over the weekend, seven young individuals were struck by gunfire close to St. Sabina Church. This area is central to a community that has long opposed Chicago’s gun violence. Even four days after the incident, the painful impact remained palpable among residents.

This has prompted a new initiative aimed at supporting those in crisis. On Thursday, an emergency assistance center was launched at the church on West 78th Place in Auburn Gresham.

Community members were offered an array of resources, including counseling and youth services and help with applying for victim compensation.

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

Since the mass shooting, there’s been a focus on action in the community. There was a police roll call there on Tuesday.

Sponsored by Chicago police, the emergency assistance center opened its doors at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham. It provided community members access to counseling, youth services, crime victim compensation applications, and additional resources. The center operated until 7 p.m.

The services are being offered days after seven teenagers, ages 17 to 19, were wounded in a weekend shooting steps from St. Sabina.

People need to understand that mass shootings, shooting across at folks, is not acceptable, so this is an example of a community coming together to support people who are victims of that.

Garien Gatewood, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety

Police said offenders in a dark-colored Jeep SUV opened fire as hundreds of young people were gathered outside a house for a post-prom party near 78th and Throop a little before 2 a.m. Saturday morning. All seven victims are expected to survive.

“CPD was out here before the shooting happened. They were trying to make sure that the kids were dispersed,” 17th Ward Ald. David Moore said. “Parents gotta get engaged. This something you cannot legislate.”

No one is in custody for the shooting, and St. Sabina’s father Michael Pfleger is offering a $10,000 reward for information in the case.

“Parents… where’s your child at one or two o’clock in the morning?” Ald. Moore said. “You shouldn’t have a hundred kids out at two o’clock in the morning and the parents not know where they are.”

Officials said this emergency assistance center at St. Sabina is not just for those impacted by the shooting over the weekend. Anyone who’s been touched by violence is welcome.

“We saw a pretty tragic incident here just a few days ago, and this is how we need to continue to respond,” said Garien Gatewood, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety. “People need to understand that mass shootings, shooting across at folks, is not acceptable, so this is an example of a community coming together to support people who are victims of that.”

The city’s outreach efforts will continue Friday evening with a take-back-the-block event is planned at the Auburn Gresham church.

The shooting comes as violent crime is declining in Chicago.

The ABC7 Safety Tracker shows, compared to the yearly average of the past three years, murders in the past 12 months are down more than 16%, the number of shooting victims are down nearly 20% and overall violent crime, which includes batteries, assaults, and robberies, is down 8.5%.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Fractured Media Award Nominations: Supporting Crime, Opposing Health, and Mourning a Dog Before Charlie

Divisive Media Award Nods: Praising Crime, Ignoring Health, and Grieving a Dog Before Charlie

It’s time to unveil new contenders for our dubious recognition of questionable…
Lefties slammed for celebrating Assata Shakur, activist who executed NJ state trooper

Backlash as Left Celebrates Assata Shakur, Activist Convicted in NJ State Trooper’s Death

The Chicago Teachers Union is encountering criticism after they honored Assata Shakur—a…
Brandon Jones secures Xfinity Series Round of 8 spot at Kansas Speedway

Brandon Jones Clinches Spot in Xfinity Series Round of 8 at Kansas Speedway

(NEXSTAR) – Brandon Jones, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, showcased his incredible…
'The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening reveals the "amazing thing" about having a Simpson-ified room in his house

Matt Groening Unveils the Magic of Owning a Simpson-Themed Room at Home

SAN DIEGO — Not only is Matt Groening the creator of “The…
Who is Thomas Jacob Sanford? What we know about the suspected Michigan church gunman

Understanding Thomas Jacob Sanford: What We Know about the Suspected Michigan Church Gunman

The man police identified as the gunman who killed at least two…
How to watch Chicago Cubs home playoff game: ABC7 to broadcast National League Wild Card Series against San Diego Padres

How to View the Chicago Cubs Home Playoff Game: ABC7 to Air National League Wild Card Series vs. San Diego Padres

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago will broadcast the Cubs Wild Card Series…
SJC Marine Rescue prepares for Tropical Storm Imelda

SJC Marine Rescue Gears Up for Tropical Storm Imelda

Marine Rescue just scaled back its operation for the Fall, meaning there…
Russel M. Nelson, oldest president of the LDS Church, dies at age 101

LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson Passes Away at 101, Marking End of Historic Leadership

Russell M. Nelson, who was the president of The Church of Jesus…
Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination case faces court hearing

Court Hearing Scheduled for Suspect in Charlie Kirk Assassination Plot

In Provo, Utah (AP) — A court hearing is set for Monday…
New York man charged with murdering parents after TV interview confession

New York Man Accused of Killing Parents Following TV Interview Admission

An upstate New York resident admitted during a televised interview on Thursday…
ICE in Chicago today: Federal immigration agents, Border Patrol boat seen in downtown Chicago | LIVE

Federal Immigration Agents and Border Patrol Boat Spotted in Downtown Chicago Today – Live Updates

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal immigration agents have been seen in downtown Chicago…
Bad Bunny announced as Super Bowl LX halftime performer

Bad Bunny Revealed as Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show Performer

LOS ANGELES — Bad Bunny, known for his Latin trap and reggaeton…