Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement Sunday hours after video showed a giant teen gathering over the weekend, with more than a dozen people arrested and five Chicago police officers injured amid the chaotic scene.
“Unauthorized large gatherings can quickly become dangerous, and early this morning, after curfew hours, we saw that firsthand,” Johnson’s statement, posted to social media, said. “I am grateful to the officers who responded diligently to help keep people safe and relieved that the officers who were injured are in fair condition.”
Johnson in his statement went on to call on parents and guardians to “know where their children are and to help ensure they are safe and accounted for.”
“There also must be accountability for the individuals who participated in the violent and reckless behavior,” the statement continued. “My administration is creating opportunities and safe spaces for young people, but families, communities, and city leaders all have a role to play in keeping our young people safe.”
The incident unfolded early Sunday morning on Chicago’s West Side, with dozens of police officers responding to the area of Roosevelt and Loomis for reports of a large teen gathering that took place overnight. As police attempted to break the scene up, the driver of a blue sedan going the wrong way struck five police officers, with all five transported to nearby hospitals in fair conditions.
“All of a sudden the car just sped off and took off and just plow through… saw a couple of teenagers and four or five officers hit,” Justin Peters of violence intervention group Violence Interrupters said.
According to officials, the driver, an 18-year-old, was not injured and taken into custody. 12 others were also arrested in connection with the events, according to officials.
Jenn Schanz has the latest updates after a large teen gathering took place overnight on the Near West Side.
The chaotic scene raised more questions about how Chicago police and local activists are planning to curb so-called “teen trends” in the city as the summer months arrive. During a Memorial Day safety plan news conference last week, Emmanuel Andre, deputy mayor of community safety, said the city is working with local organizations to address some of the gatherings, which often pop-up or are shared on social media.
Chicago Police Department Supt. Larry Snelling said the department will increase resources in the busiest areas like parks, beaches and downtown. Snelling also talked about how young people need guidance and positive ways to spend their time.
“We’ve seen that people will pull out guns and shoot indiscriminately, and then there are people who are struck and they’re young people who are not only injured but killed,” Snelling said. “One of the things that the mayor mentioned about getting parents getting involved: You need to be involved if you’re concerned about the safety of your child.”
NBC 5 reporters Jenn Schanz and Chris Hush contributed to this report.
