Last week, Chicago’s streets and sidewalks were swarmed by a large number of young individuals in an event that Mayor Brandon Johnson has dubbed “teen trends,” cautioning that such gatherings have the potential to become dangerous.
Footage acquired by Fox News from ChitownCrimeChasers depicted teenagers congregating on March 30, filling the streets and sidewalks, gathering around parked cars, and moving through intersections.
Additional videos from that evening revealed scenes of people dancing and mingling in the city’s streets. At times, the videos showed individuals climbing onto vehicles and engaging in minor disputes within the crowd.
Residents of Hyde Park reported that the takeover persisted for hours, extending late into the night of March 30.
Jason Hale, a local resident, noted that his vehicle was one of approximately 30 cars affected by the crowd that evening in Chicago.
One resident, Jason Hale, said his car was among roughly 30 affected by crowds in Chicago that night.
“Yeah, it’s bad. The hood is messed up, terrible. A thousand worth of damage, dents everywhere, footprints everywhere,” Hale told FOX 32 Chicago.
Video shows groups of teens standing and moving on top of parked vehicles as crowds formed around them.
Chicago police confirmed to the local outlet that three curfew violations were issued in connection with the gathering. A 16-year-old girl was also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and disorderly conduct.
City officials and police have described these gatherings, which are often organized through social media, as part of a broader, growing trend across Chicago.
Recent events have drawn large crowds to neighborhoods including downtown and Hyde Park, with activity ranging from social gatherings to more chaotic crowd movement.
Mayor Brandon Johnson answers questions during a news conference at Chicago City Hall on Feb. 25, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service)
Johnson released a public service announcement telling parents to not let their kids attend the increasingly popular “teen trends across the city.”
“We’re currently tracking five. That’s right. Five teen trends across the city this weekend,” the mayor said in an April 3 message. “I’m calling on all parents. Check in with your children. See where they plan to be this weekend. Please, do not allow your child to attend any of these trends this weekend.”
“They’re unsafe, and they can turn deadly. Our police officers will be out enforcing the city’s 10 p.m. curfew,” he said.
Groups of young people took over the streets in Hyde Park, Chicago. (X/Chitown_Crime_Chasers)
Some residents say the repeated gatherings are raising concerns about safety and quality of life.
Hale said the incident has prompted him to reconsider staying in the city.
“Your kids should not be out here… I had parents who guided me,” he said. “And these parents, they just let them run rampant.”
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