Chicago Alderman David Moore recently made headlines after being urged by the police to abandon his plan to camp out in a crime-ridden area of his ward in West Englewood. The alderman’s goal was to draw attention to an alleged open-air drug market and work alongside law enforcement to combat the issue. However, his efforts were cut short when gunfire erupted just feet away from him, resulting in one victim being injured.
In response to the incident, Alderman Moore criticized city leadership and called for more support for the police in tackling crime in the area. He emphasized the need for tools like ShotSpotter, which detects gunshots, to help law enforcement combat the problem effectively. Moore also expressed concerns about certain policies that he believes are hindering efforts to address violence and drug trafficking in the community.
Despite the setback, Moore remains committed to working with the police to develop a plan to end drug violence in the area. He highlighted the impact of policies on the community, noting that they are preventing young people from playing outside and seniors from sitting on their porches.
Leading up to the shooting incident, Moore revealed that he had heard threats that morning but was not overly concerned due to having security with him. The violence that erupted was linked to a territorial dispute between rival groups in the area. Moore stressed that while law enforcement has been working to address crime for years, more needs to be done to curb the violence and bloodshed.
In discussing the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Moore raised concerns about the city’s ability to maintain peace and security during the event. He emphasized the need to address underlying issues in the community rather than simply focusing on temporary solutions for high-profile events like the convention.
Overall, Alderman Moore’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by communities grappling with crime and violence. His advocacy for increased support for law enforcement and a focus on addressing root causes of crime underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety and well-being in neighborhoods like West Englewood.