The Windy City Had a Windier Murder Problem in 2021: A Not-So-Fun Look Back
Ah, Chicago. City of broad shoulders, deep-dish pizza, and...well, a not-insignificant number of murders in 2021. Let's just say, if Chicago was a party, it got a little out of hand that year.
How out of hand, you ask? Buckle up, buttercup, because this is about to get a touch grim.
According to the Chicago PD (who, let's be honest, probably weren't thrilled about all that overtime), 2021 saw a whopping 797 homicides. That's more folks meeting their maker prematurely than in any year since 1996.
Basically, if you were a murderer in Chicago in 2021, business was boomin'. Unfortunately, for the rest of us, it wasn't exactly a cause for celebration.
But wait, there's more! (Sorry, not sorry)
This wasn't just a one-year blip. Homicides had been on the rise for a while, jumping a staggering 299 more from 2019. Now, I'm no math whiz, but that's a lot of extra folks getting ventilated.
So, what was the deal in 2021?
Honestly, experts are still scratching their heads a bit. There's a mix of factors like gang violence, gun accessibility (easier to get a Desert Eagle than a decent parking spot, apparently), and the lingering social and economic effects of a global pandemic (because, you know, 2021).
Look, on a brighter note...
Well, okay, there isn't really a bright note here. But hey, at least the number of homicides has gone down since then! Chicago PD is working hard, and 2023 saw a significant decrease.
Here's to hoping that downward trend continues!
In the meantime, maybe we can all just appreciate Chicago for what it truly is: a vibrant city with a rich history, amazing food, and a murder rate that, thankfully, isn't quite as high as it once was. Just maybe avoid any sketchy back alleys after dark, and you should be golden.
