A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)
The city of Chicago is no longer outpacing last year’s homicide total, according to new data from the Chicago Police Department, though 2021 is on pace to be one of the deadliest in recent years.
There have been 332 homicides recorded in Chicago through the end of June, according to the CPD. That’s just below the 338 homicides seen through the first half of 2020, but still marks the second deadliest six-month stretch to start a year since 1999.
In June alone, Chicago recorded 78 homicides, which is the third-highest total for that month in the last 20 years, per CPD data.
The number of shootings in 2021 remains 12% above last year’s total, with 1,095 this year, compared to 978 through the end of June 2020. But in June 2021, shootings were down 13% over the same month last year.
The new data comes as several Chicago aldermen have pushed for a special meeting with police Superintendent David Brown to discuss the city’s anti-violence efforts. Brown on Thursday afternoon is set to unveil his department’s public safety strategy ahead of the historically violent Fourth of July weekend.
Police say they’ve recovered at least 5,901 guns so far this year — including 290 assault weapons — a 26% increase over the same time last year.
"CPD is on pace to recover more than 12,000 guns this year," Brown said in a statement. "Each illegal gun taken off our streets is potentially a life saved. We've asked so much from our officers over the past six months, who continue to answer the call each day and night in service to our city."
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
