(TotalConservative.com) – A swarm of hundreds of teenagers took over downtown Chicago Saturday night, smashing cars, and assaulting tourists and bystanders. The raucous gathering quickly spiraled out of control in what was billed as a “teen takeover” on social media. Two teens were shot and thankfully not critically injured before a massive police response restored order to the area. A similar teen takeover played out last year.
The swarm attempted to gain access to Millenium Park, which is off-limits to those under 21 after specific hours. Police escorted shocked tourists to their vehicles or hotels with traffic being halted on Michigan Avenue while the police tried to calm things down. 15 people were arrested, including 9 adults and 6 minors.
One Chicago resident blamed “bad parenting” and asked, “Where are they parents at, that’s my question.” She also said it’s fine for kids to gather and have fun but what she witnessed was ludicrous and appalling.
It’s uncertain who shot the two teen boys. They were taken to Northwestern Hospital, listed in fair condition, and expected to recover.
One woman reported that her husband had been beaten after teens jumped on his car and smashed the windshield. He was also taken to a hospital and treated for his injuries.
Hundreds of police, including SWAT responded to the incident, and they were still outnumbered. Perhaps it’s time for Chicago to refund the police?
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson condemned the riotous behavior, but defended the teens claiming “it is not constructive to demonize the youth” claiming they’ve been “starved of opportunities.” He continued to suggest the need to “create spaces” for young people to congregate.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the riot “reckless, disrespectful and unlawful” and chided parents. She said parents must “know where their children are” and that the parents are responsible for the behavior of their children. She added respect for other people and their property begins at home.
Crime has been an ongoing issue in Chicago with the murder rate hitting a 25-year high in 2021. Mayor-elect Johnson was the soft-on-crime candidate in this last runoff election, so it will be interesting to see how the situation develops as he takes the reins.
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