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
Today in History: December 20, Howard Beach racial murder

Unveiling the Past: The Impact of Howard Beach Racial Murder on December 20th

Saturday, December 20, 2025, marks the 354th day of the year, leaving…
Ex-pastor John-Paul Miller charged with cyberstalking wife Mica before her suicide

Former Pastor John-Paul Miller Accused of Cyberstalking Wife Mica Prior to Her Tragic Death

In a troubling case from Myrtle Beach, a pastor who fell from…
Ohio U football coach Brian Smith fired over 'serious professional misconduct'

Ohio University Football Coach Brian Smith Dismissed Following Allegations of Serious Professional Misconduct

ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University announced on Wednesday the dismissal of their…
Thousands gather as Bondi Beach reopens, commemorating victims of Hanukkah attack

Bondi Beach Reawakens: A Powerful Tribute to Hanukkah Attack Victims Draws Thousands

Thousands of individuals gathered at Bondi Beach, marking its reopening in the…
Putin says Russia won't launch new attacks on other countries 'if you treat us with respect'

Putin Promises Peace: Russia Vows No New Attacks if Treated with Respect

During a televised press conference held in Moscow on Friday, Russian President…
Tucker Blasts Pastors Excusing Innocent Deaths at Amfest

Tucker Criticizes Pastors for Justifying Innocent Deaths at Amfest Event

Tucker Carlson’s 2025 Amfest Address Lays Out a Sweeping, Unapologetically Christian Defense…
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Autopsy Reveals Brown University and MIT Shooting Suspect Likely Deceased Days Before Discovery

The individual suspected of the tragic shooting at Brown University and the…
Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Mick Jagger featured in Epstein photo dump

Unseen Photos Unveiled: Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Mick Jagger Among Celebrity Faces in Epstein Archive

Michael Jackson, the iconic “King of Pop,” has recently been linked to…
Canadian police expose alleged ISIS conspirator in plot against Jews, women's attempted kidnappings

Canadian Police Uncover Alleged ISIS Plot Targeting Jews and Women: Shocking Details Revealed

Canadian law enforcement has charged a man accused of collaborating with the…
'I wouldn't wish this on anyone': Family of nine loses everything in Arlington housefire

Heartbreaking Arlington Fire Leaves Family of Nine Without a Home

The family reports that a devastating fire claimed nearly three decades’ worth…
FTA calls for more aggressive CTA safety plan or risk losing funding as Chicago police begin added patrols

Chicago’s Transit Safety Boost: FTA Demands Action or Funding Cuts as Police Intensify Patrols

In a bold move aimed at bolstering public safety, the Federal Transit…
CTA Blue Line delays today: Person injures himself in Wicker Park, Chicago fire near Damen Avenue CTA train stop, CFD says

CTA Blue Line Delays: Incident and Fire Near Damen Avenue Cause Disruptions in Wicker Park

In a shocking incident on Chicago’s Northwest Side, a man set himself…