Chicago City Wire

State Sen. Robert J. Peters (D-Chicago) released a statement on the mob violence undertaken by a gang of over 100 youths in downtown Chicago last Friday. 

“Since I’m a glutton for punishment and I’m sure I’m gonna get the most unhinged, crime weirdo replies but: I would look at the behavior of young people as a political act and statement. It’s a mass protest against poverty and segregation. Rest in peace to my mentions,” Peters said on Twitter.

Roberts was called out for his explanation of the behavior by fellow officeholder State Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville). 

“It looks to me like at least one person in this video did not want to participate in your mass ‘political act and statement,’ @RobertJPeters. Chicago is a dying city b/c of "leaders" like you. The death & destruction is so tragic and so unnecessary,” Plummer said linking to a video of a group of black teens randomly and brutally attacking a middle-aged white woman cowering in a doorway at 129 North Wabash.

Peters was referencing the two nights of mob violence that plagued the areas of Chicago. The teens torched cars, smashed windows and randomly attacked strangers. On Friday one teen was shot by those in the crowd that gathered at 31st Street Beach. On Saturday two more teens were shot as another group gathered at Millennium Park. 

“Last night CPD monitored activity happening across the city and officers were in place to quickly respond to active incidents and large gatherings,” police said in a statement. “We will continue to have sufficient resources in place as we work to strengthen safety in every neighborhood.” The mob actions began after calls for a “meet up.”

"It’s heartbreaking, kids fighting, chasing each other, some of them got guns," one witness to the violence told WMAQ-TV. 

"It's really heartbreaking when one of them actually gets hurt, and that’s unfortunate, happened last night.”