Following a night of hundreds of anti-violence protests, it would appear Memorial Day weekend is off to a non-violent start in Chicago.
As of 8 a.m. Saturday, police said there had been no overnight shootings reported in the city, a weekend statistic that has become a rarity in Chicago.
Last weekend, at least two people were killed and 26 others wounded in weekend violence. Earlier this month, 15 people were shot within 12 hours.
Last Memorial Day, at least six people were killed and 17 others were injured in weekend shootings.
The news comes after a citywide effort to combat violence.
Hundreds of Chicagoans held barbeques, hosted rallies, participated in marches and gathered in more than 200 events across the city to decry shootings and violence ahead of the holiday weekend.
Father Michael Pfleger of Saint Sabina Church hosted an event at Renaissance Park South Friday, Bishop Larry Trotter led a march to the city’s deadliest intersection at 79th Street and Yates Boulevard and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and NBA star Isaiah Thomas, who grew on the city’s West Side, hosted an event at Orr High School.
“Keep looking out for the young fellows, keep looking out for the young girls because you never know who those kids are going to grow up to be if given the chance and the opportunity,” said Thomas.
Another march is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Holy Cross Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
