On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, a child aged seven was tragically killed in a shooting in Chicago, Illinois’ Near West Side. The deceased was identified as Jai’mani Amir Rivera, who was shot around 3 p.m. on the 2300 block of West Jackson Boulevard as he left his home to visit a neighbor.
Upon their arrival at the scene, police officers found the boy on the ground with a gunshot wound to the chest. They attempted life-saving measures and rushed him to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed profound sorrow and frustration over the incident during a press conference. “The random shooting of this seven-year-old is unacceptable,” said Snelling. “We have to think about who we are as a society when our kids are being shot in the street.”
Superintendent Snelling confirmed that a total of 13 shots were fired during the incident. It was revealed that the bullet that killed the boy was shot from outside the Oakley Square Apartments complex, where he resided.
A 16-year-old, with an outstanding warrant for a previous robbery, has been detained and charged with first-degree murder, and discharge of a firearm to cause death. The teenager was identified by the police from security camera footage. Superintendent Snelling stressed that the child was not the intended target of the shooting, which involved multiple shots fired from a significant distance.
Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago addressed the city’s ongoing battle with gun violence. He underscored the need to stop these violent acts, emphasizing the surge in weapons flowing into Chicago and across the nation. He insisted on the importance of stopping this influx and holding those responsible accountable.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Rivera’s identity and drew attention to the wider issue of gun violence impacting young people in the city.
Superintendent Snelling stated that in 2024, 127 children and teens under 18 have fallen victim to gun violence, with 17 of them losing their lives. “Those numbers are significantly down from last year, but still unacceptable,” he commented.
The Oakley Square Apartments, where Rivera lived, is a gated complex. However, residents describe the area as dangerous due to regular gunfire, and they often keep their children indoors for safety.
This incident has sparked renewed discussions on the need for comprehensive strategies to combat gun violence in Chicago. Superintendent Snelling criticized the local judiciary and State Attorney Kim Foxx’s office for not effectively prosecuting violent offenders, while Mayor Johnson defended his administration’s investments in community programs and violence prevention initiatives.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the Chicago Police Department has increased patrols in the area. They are encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to step forward.
