The Chicago Police Department took down 81 people identified over a three week planning period, to be instrumental in the prevalence of crime in the South and West Side sections of the city, on Thursday and Friday nights, [February 23-24].
The consecutive overnight raids were responsible for netting 61 convicted felons, 49 of whom are said to be gang members. Of the total number of people apprehended, 65 are said to have been targeted as higher risks due to their history as victims or purveyors of gun violence. For most of those arrested, it wasn't their first go around with the law. "There are repeat gun offenders that one, don't care they're on parole, two, and don't care about the fact they're already previously convicted felons," Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told members of the media at a press conference announcing the bust. "They're not new to us. But the simple fact is we need the judicial system and our legislators to help us with this."
The sweeps were conducted as a part of an initiative to intensify law enforcement, following President Donald Trump's call for local officials to curb Chicago's exorbitant violence before he selects to dispense federal authorities to the city. Trump recently doubled down on his call for officials to tackle the problem, stating in a news conference last week that Chicago suffers a tale of two cities, one that is "incredible, luxurious and safe" and another that he likened to the Middle East. The statement was consistent with past remarks that have been criticized as dangerous by opponents of the militarization of police.
This week's raids resulted in police seizing 12 firearms, including a machine gun. Another raid, this time backed by federal agents, is said to be planned for the coming weeks.
Source: nydailynews.com
