Violent Chicago weekend leaves at least 11 dead, dozens hurt

CHICAGO – Police say weekend shootings in Chicago have left at least 11 people dead and about 70 wounded.

The violence peaked early Sunday, including one shooting on the city’s South Side that injured eight people.

The Chicago Tribune reports that by comparison, at least seven people were killed and 32 were wounded during the long Memorial Day weekend, often one of the most violent weekends of the year.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson planned a Monday news conference to discuss the violence. Patrol Chief Fred Waller said Sunday that gangs sometimes use large summer crowds as cover.

Police have said violent crime has declined overall in Chicago. Still, anti-violence protesters have blocked freeways to voice their outrage.

Chicago’s gun violence has drawn national scrutiny, including from President Donald Trump. His lawyer, ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, tweeted Sunday blaming Chicago’s longtime “Democratic rule.”