Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Mayor Lori Lightfoot has pledged that City officials will take whatever steps are needed to prevent violent outbreaks involving teens in the city's downtown areas.

Over a recent weekend, two teens were shot and 15 others were arrested during violence in the downtown area that sparked just hours after another teen was shot not far away during a large gathering at 31st Street Beach, a WLS report said.

"We have taken steps, and will take steps to address these teen trends," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement following the violence, quoted by WLS. "It's not the first time that we've addressed these issues, but our young people have an opportunity and a right to enjoy the entirety of our city, but they have to do it in a way that is respectful for people and property. And we did address that over the weekend, and we will continue to address it. The vast majority of young people that came downtown because it was a great weather and an opportunity to enjoy the city, that's absolutely entirely appropriate. There are a few that came with different intentions, and they have, and they will be dealt with."

In video capturing the mayhem, groups of young people could be seen jumping on cars, blocking traffic and getting into fights near the city's famed Michigan Avenue after word spread of the planned gathering by posts made across social media.

Chicago police released a statement saying they have taken steps to quell the violence, including increasing police presence at large gatherings, monitoring all activity and police cameras, performing bag checks at beach entry points, and working with youth and outreach workers.

"The Chicago Police Department's top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors, including our city's youth," the statement said, quoted by WLS. "The reckless, disruptive and violent behavior that was seen downtown this past weekend will not be tolerated. We encourage our young people to be safe and responsible as they enjoy their weekends, but anyone engaged in criminal activity will be arrested and held accountable."

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson, who defeated challenger Paul Vallas in a runoff race earlier this month with 51% of the vote, called the chaos unacceptable but also asked that young people not be demonized.