A Texas delegate attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago was held at gunpoint and robbed early Wednesday morning, underscoring the city’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. The delegate and a friend were walking in downtown Chicago around 2 a.m. when they were confronted by two masked men in a dark blue Range Rover. The armed men demanded the victims hand over their belongings, threatening to shoot if they did not comply.
After robbing the delegate, the suspects moved across the street and robbed two additional victims before fleeing. The robbers have been described as two Black males dressed in black clothing and ski masks, both armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Authorities believe these individuals are connected to a series of recent robberies in the area.
Chicago police issued a community alert on Thursday, urging residents to share any information that could lead to arrests. The incident comes as Chicago hosts the DNC, drawing national attention to the city’s worsening crime rates. The city saw nearly 1,400 shootings and 344 murders this year, following its title as “the murder capital” of the U.S. in 2023.
Over the past weekend alone, 26 shootings occurred in Chicago, resulting in 30 victims and five fatalities. Despite the DNC being in full swing, Chicago’s rampant violence remains inescapable for both visitors and residents, casting a dark shadow over the event.
