In the heart of Chicago, just hours after the festive tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park drew thousands to the downtown area, two shootings erupted in the Loop. This unsettling turn of events over the weekend has raised concerns about whether such incidents might influence people’s decision to visit the city during the holiday season.
Despite these fears, community leaders are hopeful that these violent episodes will not deter visitors. They emphasize the city’s vibrant spirit and the need to maintain optimism during these celebratory times.
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Tragically, one of the incidents claimed the life of 14-year-old Armani Floyd on Friday night. His death was linked to a chaotic event known as a “teen takeover,” which spiraled out of control.
Armani Floyd was more than just a statistic; he was a part of the Project sWISH youth basketball program, founded by McKinley Nelson. This initiative aims to provide young individuals with a constructive and secure environment to engage in sports and development.
Nelson fondly recalls Floyd as a gentle soul, an exceptional athlete, and a dedicated student. His untimely death is a profound loss to those who knew him and the community that cherished his presence.
Nelson remembers Floyd as a kind person, great player and student.
“In a way, it feels defeating. We developed this program to save the kids. Right? And when you lose a kid that’s a participant of the saving, it kind of feels like we’re not doing our work,” Nelson said.
Chicago police say seven other teens were also injured Friday night.
One of the shootings was just outside the ABC7 Chicago State Street studios. It sent a large crowd running in all directions.
In an exclusive interview with ABC7, Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city learned about a possible teen takeover from social media days before, and did what they could to stop it, including adding an additional 700 officers on duty.
“That’s why it’s going to take police officers, it’s going to take my administration, our public education system, our mentoring programs and just adults as a whole. Adults have to know where their children are,” Johnson said.
“Of course, the timing couldn’t have been worse, while we’re celebrating the holidays, the tree lighting and then the Magnificent Mile right the next night. And for the people out there want to call Chicago a ‘hellhole,’ it just gives them fuel for that fire,” Ald. Brian Hopkins said.
Downtown Alderman Hopkins says the same plan the city’s used in the past to deal with these takeovers didn’t work this time, and they’re looking at reasons why.
“We did have adequate numbers. The 700 figure is an accurate number. That should have been enough. What happened early on was there were some violent individuals within this crowd of teens. They were using pepper spray. Several police officers had to seek medical treatment right away after getting hit in the face with pepper spray and mace. They had stun guns. We had advanced knowledge that weapons were present. The police have to proceed very cautiously. And when they initially engaged this group, and the mace and the stun guns came out, the police backed up. And that allowed the group to feel emboldened, and things spiraled downhill from there,” Hopkins said.
Alderman Hopkins says this incident only reinforces the need for an earlier youth curfew, so police can break up crowds before things get out of control and dangerous.
Mayor Johnson previously vetoed his proposed ordinance.
Cook County Crime Stoppers are offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Floyd’s death.
“A 14-year-old child lost his life, and our community deserves answers. Shooting a 14-year-old just moments after a mass shooting took place where seven teens were shot is unbelievable. Someone out there knows who is responsible. Enough is enough. Too many of our teens are being killed for what? We are asking the public to do the right thing and share any information, no matter how small it may seem. Your anonymity is guaranteed, and your tip could help bring justice for Armani and his family, as well as the victims and the families of the seven teens who were shot on State Street,” said Paul Rutherford, executive director for Cook County Crime Stoppers.
Call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-535-STOP (7867), or visit www.CPDTIP.com.
