Despite strict gun-control regulations in the Windy City, the number of homicides in Chicago so far this year is twice the number as at the same time last year, according to a Chicago Tribune report. With four murders last weekend and an additional two more Monday morning, the city has recorded at least 95 homicides since the beginning of 2016—a troubling increase compared to the 47 by this time in 2015. The Tribune also reported that the number of people shot has more than doubled, with about 420 victims to date in 2016, compared to 193 in 2015.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has faced increasing criticism for his handling of the city’s rising crime rate and gang wars that often claim the lives of innocent bystanders. With anti-gun Illinois politicians continuing to place most of their emphasis on passing more restrictive gun-control laws—which don’t affect criminals, only law-abiding citizens—we don’t look for this increased murder trend to end anytime soon.