Introduction to the Issue
CHICAGO – Father Pfleger said he has asked top cop Supt. Larry Snelling to find those responsible for the mass shooting on Saturday just feet from his church.
Pfleger said five of the teenagers shot live in the south suburbs and none of the victims are from Auburn Gresham.
St. Sabina parishioners and their leader went door to door on Sunday, visiting each home along West 78th Place on Chicago’s South Side, looking for answers.
Overnight Saturday, seven teenagers were shot feet away from St. Sabina properties. Neighbors estimate more than 300 people had gathered for a prom send off earlier.
Pfleger said around 2 a.m. police were dispersing the crowd when four men drove into the area and began shooting from a jeep.
"And then somebody in the crowd started shooting back," Pfleger said.
The victims range in age from 17 to 19 years old.
The Call for Change
During his Sunday worship service, Father Pfleger called out parents, advising them to monitor their children’s locations using the tracking feature on their cell phones.
He told teens to "stop putting everything you do on social media".
Following the shooting, six of the victims were in fair condition. One victim was in serious condition.
"I’m gonna say this get rid of the d*** guns," Father Pfleger said.
Father Pfleger said Chicago police did excellent work trying to disperse the crowd as many were resistant.
Father Pfleger has turned over surveillance footage to police as no suspects are in custody.
Community Response and Support
The Chicago Mayor’s Office is offering an Emergency Assistance Center on June 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. Sabina Church.
All individuals affected by violence are welcome to talk to detectives, receive crime victim compensation applications, get youth services and support, receive domestic violence services, receive counseling, and many other resources.
Anyone with questions about the center can call 312-745-63040 or email victimservices@chciagopolice.org.
The Uvalde Foundation For Kids will coordinate citizen patrol teams outside St. Sabina. They’ll also donate $5,000 in reward money to Father Pfleger’s $10,000 pledge seeking details about the shooters.
Conclusion
The recent mass shooting near St. Sabina church has led to a call for change in the community. Father Pfleger’s message to teens to stop putting everything they do on social media and for parents to monitor their children’s locations is a step towards preventing such incidents in the future. The community is coming together to support the victims and their families, and the authorities are working hard to find those responsible.
FAQs
Q: What happened near St. Sabina church?
A: Seven teenagers were shot near St. Sabina church during a prom send-off gathering.
Q: What is Father Pfleger’s message to teens?
A: Father Pfleger told teens to "stop putting everything you do on social media".
Q: What support is being offered to the victims and their families?
A: The Chicago Mayor’s Office is offering an Emergency Assistance Center at St. Sabina Church, where individuals can receive various services and support.
Q: Is there a reward being offered for information about the shooters?
A: Yes, Father Pfleger has pledged $10,000 and the Uvalde Foundation For Kids will donate an additional $5,000 for information about the shooters.
