Community Violence

Most Shooters Go Free in Chicago’s Most Violent Neighborhoods — While Police Make Non-Stop Drug Arrests

FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence in Chicago

Most Shooters Go Free in Chicago’s Most Violent Neighborhoods — While Police Make Non-Stop Drug Arrests

An analysis of city data finds disparities in how the police pursue criminal offenses between white and non-white neighborhoods. “They’ll get a person for marijuana before they’ll get a person for murder.”

Sarah Ryley
Where Chicago Shootings Go Unchecked, Owning a Gun Can Feel Like a Necessity

FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence in Chicago

Where Chicago Shootings Go Unchecked, Owning a Gun Can Feel Like a Necessity

“The need for protection still exists, whether you can legally carry or not,” says one expert.

Arionne Nettles
A Hidden Ingredient in Chicago’s Gun Violence: The Lack of Housing Options for At-Risk Young Men

FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence in Chicago

A Hidden Ingredient in Chicago’s Gun Violence: The Lack of Housing Options for At-Risk Young Men

“We know that wherever there is homelessness and housing insecurity, there is violence. So I think anybody who is concerned about crime in a city like Chicago should look at homelessness as a contributing factor.”

Nissa Rhee
For Chicago Kids Shaken By Gun Violence, a Shortage of Trauma Support Compounds the Harm

FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence in Chicago

For Chicago Kids Shaken By Gun Violence, a Shortage of Trauma Support Compounds the Harm

The city has made strides in treating the invisible scars that shootings leave, but big shortfalls remain. “While Chicago may be doing pretty well, it’s relative to a nation that isn’t adequately addressing the mental health of children.”

Nissa Rhee
Parents of Chicago Teens Convicted of Shootings Find a Common Cause in Prison Reform

FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence in Chicago

Parents of Chicago Teens Convicted of Shootings Find a Common Cause in Prison Reform

A unique support group offers a space for families to lean on each other and advocate for more rehabilitation. “One mistake or going along with the wrong group … doesn’t mean that you are a terrible person or that you can’t change.”

Arionne Nettles
‘A Drop in the Bucket’: Anti-Violence Leaders Blast Chicago Mayor’s Budget Plan

Community Violence

‘A Drop in the Bucket’: Anti-Violence Leaders Blast Chicago Mayor’s Budget Plan

A coalition of more than two dozen community groups asked the city to earmark $50 million for gun violence prevention. Lori Lightfoot's proposal calls for far less.

Brian Freskos
In New York, the Neighborhood You’re Shot in May Determine Whether You Survive

Community Violence

In New York, the Neighborhood You’re Shot in May Determine Whether You Survive

A bullet wound in Queens is more likely to be fatal than anywhere else in the city. A single trauma center serves the borough’s southern reaches, and it’s struggling to keep up.

Sean Campbell, Maya Miller, and Laura Laderman
House Judiciary Committee Holds Rare Hearing On Community Gun Violence

Community Violence

House Judiciary Committee Holds Rare Hearing On Community Gun Violence

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Thursday about responses to community gun violence in American cities. It included testimony from Representatives from St. Louis and Chicago, and a panel of activists from gun violence prevention organizations, who…

Champe Barton
St. Louis Pledges Millions for Gun Violence Interrupters

How We Fix This

St. Louis Pledges Millions for Gun Violence Interrupters

Some activists remain skeptical the money will actually come through.

Champe Barton
Fighting Gun Violence in Chicago, With Trees, Rakes, and Cleanup Crews

Community Violence

Fighting Gun Violence in Chicago, With Trees, Rakes, and Cleanup Crews

The city is investing millions in beautifying the public spaces where shootings are most likely to occur.

Brian Freskos
Meet the Young Activists Fighting Chicago’s Gun Violence, With Lobbying and Group Hugs

Community Violence

Meet the Young Activists Fighting Chicago’s Gun Violence, With Lobbying and Group Hugs

In a city where safety is not equally felt, GoodKids MadCity is creating a space for young people “to feel free,” and refusing to wait for grownups to act.

Kim Bellware
With America’s Focus on Gun Violence, Activists Fight to Ensure Victims of Color Aren’t Ignored

Community Violence

With America’s Focus on Gun Violence, Activists Fight to Ensure Victims of Color Aren’t Ignored

This summer’s mass shootings have Congress searching for solutions to gun violence. Organizers in America’s hardest-hit communities say what they need is funding for programs already saving lives.

Champe Barton
When 12 People Are Shot in Your Neighborhood, and America Shrugs

Community Violence

When 12 People Are Shot in Your Neighborhood, and America Shrugs

National newspapers and cable news channels had little interest in last weekend’s mass shooting in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where residents didn't receive many thoughts or prayers from the public.

Champe Barton
We Can’t End Inequality Until We Stop Urban Gun Violence

How We Fix This

We Can’t End Inequality Until We Stop Urban Gun Violence

Here’s a blueprint for cities ready to get started.

Thomas Abt
Inside the Ambitious Campaign to Push Chicago Homicides Below 400

How We Fix This

Inside the Ambitious Campaign to Push Chicago Homicides Below 400

The private funders and outreach groups behind the “<399” plan are bringing unprecedented coordination to gun violence prevention in the city. But without more public dollars, they say, the effort may fall short.

Brian Freskos

Help our journalists shine a light on gun violence

Community Violence

Most Shooters Go Free in Chicago’s Most Violent Neighborhoods — While Police Make Non-Stop Drug Arrests

Where Chicago Shootings Go Unchecked, Owning a Gun Can Feel Like a Necessity

A Hidden Ingredient in Chicago’s Gun Violence: The Lack of Housing Options for At-Risk Young Men

For Chicago Kids Shaken By Gun Violence, a Shortage of Trauma Support Compounds the Harm

Parents of Chicago Teens Convicted of Shootings Find a Common Cause in Prison Reform

‘A Drop in the Bucket’: Anti-Violence Leaders Blast Chicago Mayor’s Budget Plan

In New York, the Neighborhood You’re Shot in May Determine Whether You Survive

House Judiciary Committee Holds Rare Hearing On Community Gun Violence

St. Louis Pledges Millions for Gun Violence Interrupters

Fighting Gun Violence in Chicago, With Trees, Rakes, and Cleanup Crews

Meet the Young Activists Fighting Chicago’s Gun Violence, With Lobbying and Group Hugs

With America’s Focus on Gun Violence, Activists Fight to Ensure Victims of Color Aren’t Ignored

When 12 People Are Shot in Your Neighborhood, and America Shrugs

We Can’t End Inequality Until We Stop Urban Gun Violence

Inside the Ambitious Campaign to Push Chicago Homicides Below 400