After Mass Shooting Linked To Teen Takeover, West Siders Say ‘All Hands On Deck’ Needed

GARFIELD PARK — Chicago police and local nonprofits are looking to help West Side neighbors impacted by violence, with local leaders saying “all hands on deck” are needed to address teen gatherings like the one that led to a mass shooting over the weekend in Garfield Park.

An “emergency assistance center” will open to the public from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Sankofa Village Wellness Center, 4305 W. Madison St., Chicago police officials and local nonprofits announced Tuesday. The center is open to anyone impacted by violence in the area that needs support services or resources such as mental health support or an opportunity to speak with detectives.

This announcement comes days after a teen gathering near Garfield Park left seven teens and young adults shot, including one left in critical condition.

“This isn’t just for victims of this weekend’s violence. This is for victims of any violence over any period of time,” Glen Brooks, Chicago police director of community policing, said at a Tuesday’s press conference announcing the assistance center. “The [center] is there to help you in your healing … to help you regain and to thrive once again with your life.”

Visitors to the center can apply for the state’s Crime Victim Compensation program, receive domestic violence resources and referrals to youth services and nonviolence and victim services offered by community organizations.

The Institute For Nonviolence Chicago, Breakthrough Urban Ministries, UCAN and Garfield Park Rite To Wellness Collaborative are among the West Side organizations participating in the emergency assistance center. Chicago Survivors, Helen and Joe Community Organization and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office will also be participating.

‘All Hands On Deck’

Tuesday’s announcement comes days after multiple shootings stemmed from an Independence Day gathering in Garfield Park.

The large gathering brought hundreds of young people to Garfield Park and to the 3800 block of West Maypole Avenue, across the street from the park. Videos of the gathering, which neighbors described as the second “teen takeover” in the area in two weeks, show attendees shooting fireworks and blocking the cul-de-sac on Maypole Avenue shortly before gunfire erupted, according to ABC7.

At least two separate shootings occurred at the event early Sunday. Around 1:25 a.m., a 17-year-old girl was shot in the chest; she was left in critical condition, police said. Nearly 10 minutes later, another shooting wounded six others. The victims, ranging in age from 17 to 20, were all taken to area hospitals and listed in good condition, police said.

City officials and local leaders Tuesday emphasized the importance of collaboration across organizations and agencies in addressing the growing issue of “teen takeovers” that have led to violence and generated much debate in recent years.

Last year, an Austin gathering similarly brought hundreds to an abandoned lot near North La Crosse Avenue and West End avenues, leading to three shootings, that saw one death and 10 wounded.

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago had some of its workers at the gathering Saturday and early Sunday in Garfield Park, with staff imploring people to stay safe. More work is needed to help stop future violence, officials said.

“As we see the violence and the uptick here, not just the West Garfield Park area but throughout the city of Chicago, we’re going to need all hands on deck,” Les Jenkins, association director of community engagement at the Institute For Nonviolence Chicago, said Tuesday. “Together we will move forward as we learn and heal through this tragedy.”

Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) told CBS2 his office is looking at ways to hold organizers of such events accountable. Ervin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Following Tuesday’s announcement, workers with the Institute for Nonviolence canvassed the area where the gathering happened, providing resources for residents. Police passed out flyers and knocked on doors in the 3800 block of West Maypole Avenue to make residents aware of the assistance center.