Trump calls Chicago 'a hellhole' | What to know about crime stats, FBI's local anti-violence efforts
Local organizations are working to reduce crime in Chicago, as well.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Curbing crime in Chicago is not just a priority for Chicago police, but for the FBI as well.
According to the agency's head of violent crime at its Chicago field office, the FBI doubled down on resources this summer in an initiative called Operation Summer Heat. Working with local law enforcement, the FBI's focus was violent fugitives, dangerous street gangs, fentanyl and child sexual predators.
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"In a one week time period, the FBI arrested approximately 255 sexual predators in the Chicago division alone. We saved over 100 children from being victimized. So, for us, that was a big win," said FBI Chicago Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Wieczorek.
Wieczorek says another big win is the arrest of 25 violent fugitives. Wieczorek says they are the "worst of the worst." Despite the efforts, President Donald Trump continues to refer to Chicago as the worst and most dangerous city in the world.
"Chicago is a hellhole right now," Trump said.
While it was a violent Labor Day weekend with over 50 people shot, according to Chicago police, data analyzed by the ABC7 data team shows that as of August 24, there have been 464 homicides in Chicago over the last 12 months. That is a decrease of 28.7% compared to the average of the prior three years.
"If you looked at recent crime statistics, yes, they are down, but that is very little constant consolation to the members of our community that are losing their lives on a day-to-day basis," Wieczorek said.
With crime down, ABC7 asked Wieczorek if it is necessary for the president to send the National Guard to Chicago.
"People aren't going to say 'no' to resources, but my position is always to welcome working with people. But specifically, I can't answer that specifically, to be honest," Wieczorek said.
As far as the FBI's efforts, Wieczorek says Chicago's Field office will continue to attack violent crime very aggressively. He says it is likely the agency will be working on another operation in the next few months.
And as ideas are debated about ways to reduce violence further, some who live and work in Chicago communities are doing the work. They say the solutions can be found in the community.
New staff at Habilitative Systems Incorporated's Wellness Center on Madison in West Garfield Park are being trained on how to help folks through mental crises that may involve violence.
"It's a critical need we have to be responsive," said Donald Dew with Habilitative Systems Inc.
The 47-year-old social service organization has evolved to include violence prevention. Donald Dew is the HSI's president and CEO.
"We choose to help you heal the hurt the pain the anguish we do that not through military occupation we do that by getting people involved and engaged," Dew said.
Their crisis response teams have had a busy summer responding to mass shootings on the West and South sides and then implementing strategies to help individuals get counseling and other supports.
Chaundra Van Dyk-McGee is the director of special initiatives which include violence prevention.
"We don't want people who don't know us, who do know where we come from and what we are experiencing on a day-to-day, making decisions for us, so we do empower the community to come with solutions for themselves," Van Dyk-McGee said.
Van Dyk-McGee, who lives on the West Side, says changes need to include people in the community.
"When we can give the youth, the resources they need to thrive in an educational setting, they can make a better choice, but if we don't know those things exist, we can't apply those that can give that resources they need. But if we don't know the need exists, that's why it important for communities to do it for communities," Van Dyk-McGee said.
Dew says the focus is on helping young people with impulse control, which is critical for violence prevention. And they will not turn anyone away young people or adults.
"Our children are exposed to a significant amount of trauma, so we are going to have to equip them with the tools to get through this madness," Dew said.
They say they need more mentors, counselors and for more Chicagoans to get involved.
