Questions surrounding public safety in downtown Chicago grew after a shooting near Macy's on State Street as the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival concluded Saturday night.
At approximately 9 p.m., Chicago police were called to the intersection of State and Washington streets after a 19-year-old woman was shot in the leg, authorities said.
The shooting took place on a busy weekend in the Loop as holiday festivities get underway.
“I just saw all the sirens and everything,” witness Noel Lashai said. “There were a lot of young children. For the crime to happen, there are no children out there.”
According to police, the victim was walking on the sidewalk with several other people when an unknown person opened fire.
“It's really unfortunate when everyone was here, everyone was here celebrating the season,” said Michael Edwards, president and CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance.
Such crimes constitute a setback for the coalition that was working to restore life to the ring after the epidemic.
“Well, it challenges our mission,” Edwards said. “We have safety ambassadors here, we work with the police and all the merchants work hard to make it a positive experience for people to come downtown.”
The Loop Alliance has safety ambassadors in yellow vests who monitor the area daily and conduct special security patrols as a Chicago Police attaché throughout the night.
“We should all be able to enjoy downtown and we encourage people to do so,” Edwards said. “It's the best time to be here on State Street, during the holidays.”
The woman who was shot was still recovering on Sunday. Third District detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but have not yet arrested anyone.
“It doesn't make sense, especially around the holidays,” Lashai said. “Everyone wants to return to their families and loved ones.”
