CHICAGO — Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson touted his department's decision to flood city streets Memorial Day weekend with 1,300 extra officers, including teams of bike police, in an effort to cut down on shootings during a weekend often marred by violence. The Chicago Tribune reports seven people were killed and 32 others were injured in shootings between Friday evening and Monday night. The same number were killed during Memorial Day weekend in 2017, but 45 others were shot. Both years paled in comparison to 2016, when 71 people were shot, six fatally, during the same weekend. More Chicago News From WBBM-TV, CBS Chicago "The shootings were down from '16 and 2017, and I am happy about that," Johnson said Monday. The newspaper reports there was heavy police presence at the city's beaches and parks, while teams of police reported to neighborhoods where recent shootings occurred, in an effort to ward attempts at retribution.<doc-sep>CHICAGO (WLS) -- At least nine people were killed and 29 others were wounded in shootings across Chicago over Memorial Day weekend.That's one more than the number of people who died during the holiday weekend last year.With the unofficial start of summer now underway, Chicago police said they have a plan to curb the gun violence. It includes a so-called "Summer Mobile Unit" of 100 officers, which can respond quickly to large disturbances. "When you see a group of officers en masse like that, it's effective," said Chief Fred Waller, Chicago Police Department.The "Summer Mobile Unit" was deployed Monday to North Avenue Beach for crowd control. The special force will stick around through Labor Day.Two people were killed and seven were wounded in shootings across the city on Memorial Day.Gun violence started at the stroke of midnight Monday when a woman was critically wounded in a drive-by shooting in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side.The 20-year-old woman was standing on the sidewalk talking to someone when a black Pontiac Grand Prix drove by and someone inside fired a single shot, striking her in the neck in the 6400 block of South Eberhart Avenue, according to Chicago Police said.She ran toward a nearby home and collapsed, police said. She was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.An hour later, the first fatal shooting of the day happened in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side.At 1:03 a.m., Jeremy Ross, 31, stepped out of his car and began arguing with someone in the 5100 block of West Flournoy near an exit ramp off the Congress Expressway, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.The person then pulled out a gun and shot Ross twice in the chest and once in the head, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Ross was a resident of south suburban Harvey, according to the medical examiner's office.The shooter was driving a green Kia Soul, police said. He was not in custody.The second fatal shooting happened in the East Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side.A 30-year-old man was shot in the head at 9:09 p.m. in the 800 block of South Albany. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.The circumstances of the shooting weren't immediately known. Witnesses told police they heard gunshots and saw a group of five juveniles running from the area, but no one saw the actual shooting, police said.In a three hour span, three people were wounded by bullets in the Park Manor neighborhood on the South Side.An 18-year-old man was walking at 5:22 p.m. in the 400 block of East 71st Street when he heard gunfire and realized he'd been shot. He was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said.At 8:09 p.m., one man was shot and another was grazed by a bullet in the 7100 block of South State when a dark-colored sedan pulled up and the passenger fired shots, police said.A 22-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition, police said. The other man, 62, suffered a graze wound to the head and refused medical treatment.Less than a half hour later, a 21-year-old man was shot in the abdomen in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on the South Side.The man was standing in front of an apartment building at 8:33 p.m. in the 1700 block of West Garfield Boulevard when a black SUV drove by and two people inside fired shots, according to police.He was struck in the abdomen and was taken to Stroger Hospital where he was in serious condition. Three people in the SUV also shouted "gang slogans" at the man, police said.Two of the day's gunshot wounds were self inflicted when guns were accidentally discharged, according to Chicago Police.A 17-year-old boy shot himself in the West Side Austin neighborhood. He suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the thigh about 4:45 p.m. in the 1700 block of North Mason, according to police. The circumstances of the shooting weren't immediately known.He was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police said.A bullet grazed a man's leg after he accidentally fired a shot Monday night in the Washington Heights neighborhood on the Far South Side.The 43-year-old man was moving items around inside a home when a gun belonging to the homeowner accidentally discharged, striking him in the leg at 11:39 p.m. in the 9900 block of South Peoria, police said.He initially refused medical treatment but later took himself to Advocate Christ Medical Center where his condition stabilized, police said.<doc-sep>Businesses across the nation are showing veterans and active-duty military personnel a little love this Memorial Day to thank them for their service. While Memorial Day is a day for honoring military personnel who died in service, restaurants and stores are offering freebies and special discounts to veterans and active military. Veterans and other military personnel can enjoy free meals and discounts when they show a military identification. At some businesses, discharge papers, Veterans Administration cards and veterans organization membership cards also can be used to prove service. The discounts are similar to what businesses offer on Veterans Day, though on a smaller scale. Some savings extend to spouses and families and a few military discounts are offered year-round. More:National Burger Day: Juicy burger deals Monday collide with Memorial Day More:Need rad gifts for grads and dads? These gift card deals come with bonuses More:What is open and closed on Memorial Day? Meal deals and freebies Participation can vary. To be on the safe side, check with your closest location. Bokamper’s: Veterans get a free Bud or Bud Light draft beer Monday, Other guests get a free beer with purchase of a Bo’s Burger on Memorial Day. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: All active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, get a free small sub with a government-issued identification card Monday. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Veterans and active military get a free entree with the purchase of another meal Monday. Fogo de Chao: Veterans and active duty personnel get 50% off meals at participating locations and up to three guests get 10% off their meals. Military identification required. Gordon Biersch: Free starter for active military and veterans who show an ID Monday. Hickory Tavern: All veterans and active military get 20% off Monday, excluding alcohol. Home Town Buffet: The chain offers a 15% daily military discount to all active duty, reserve or retired military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID. Every Monday for Military Monday, they provide the discount to all current and former military personnel and up to three other family members with proof of service, including a valid ID, VA card to photo in uniform. Hooters: Veterans and active military eat free from a special menu Monday at participation locations with a military identification. LaMar's Donuts: Veterans and active duty military get a free doughnut and small coffee Monday. Logan’s Roadhouse: From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, service members get a free meal from the American Roadhouse Meals menu. McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans and active military personnel get a free lunch or dinner entree Monday at participating locations. Miller’s Ale House: Military members with valid military identification, VA card or DD214, get a 50% discount Monday. Some exclusions apply and dine-in only. Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub: Veterans and active military who purchase any meal Monday get a free entrée from the “9 Real Size Entrées for $9.99 Menu.” O’Charley’s: With proof of service, veterans and active military get a free meal from the Over the Top and the Under $10 menu with the purchase of another meal. Outback Steakhouse: Through Monday, active military, veterans, police officers and firefighters with valid state or federal identification get 20% off. There’s also a 10% every day Heroes Discount for servicemen and women, police officers and firefighters. Papa Murphy’s: According to the company’s website, a “limited number of our stores offer various discounts, including senior and military discounts. Please inquire at your local store as this discount is not offered or required at all locations.” Rock Bottom: Free starter for active military and veterans who show an ID Monday. SweetFrog: All active and retired military get 20% off frozen yogurt Monday with valid identification. Texas de Brazil: Veterans and active duty military get 50% off lunch or dinner plus up to seven guests get 20% off their meal. Texas Steakhouse & Saloon: 10% discount for active duty military members and veterans every day with military ID. Twin Peaks: Veterans and active military receive a free select menu item Monday with military identification. Zoës Kitchen: Veterans and active military members get 10% off the subtotal of their meals with their military identification Monday. More deals: Locally-owned businesses and regional chains also may have military free meals and discounts. One of the easiest ways to find out is to check restaurants' social media channels. More:Your favorite stores are having amazing Memorial Day Weekend sales More:Last-minute staycation ideas for Memorial Day or any day More:Summer driving: Edmunds' offers 7 picks for Memorial Day car deals Retail discounts Many stores offer military discounts year-round, but a handful are only on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Academy Sports + Outdoors:Through Tuesday, military members get 10% off purchases. A.C. Moore: 15% off your total regular and sale price purchase with valid ID every day. Advance Auto Parts: 10% off regularly priced items for in-store purchases for active-duty, reserve and retired status members, all veterans receiving VA benefits, spouses and dependent children up to 18 with proof of military status. AT&T: Qualified active-duty military, reserves, National Guard, veterans, and spouses of active-duty and deceased service personnel can get 15% off monthly service charges on eligible plans. Bass Pro Shops: 5% everyday military discount. Big 5 Sporting Goods: 10% off entire purchase for active duty, reserve military, retirees, veterans, spouses and dependent children with military ID or veteran status on driver’s license. Blue Star Museums: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, active military and their families get free admission to more than 2,000 museums. Busch Gardens: Through July 4, Busch Gardens parks, which include SeaWorld parks, are offering free admission for active duty and veterans and three free guest tickets. Sign up online at www.wavesofhonor.com as these offers are not available at parks. Cabela's: 5% everyday military discount. Cinemark: Military discounts are available for active duty, active reserved, retired and dependents who show a valid U.S. government issued military ID at the box office. Some restrictions may apply and discount days and times vary by location. David's Bridal: Through May 31, current active duty, spouses and significant others who present a valid military ID get 10% off their entire purchase in any David's Bridal store. Food Lion: Active military, veterans and their families get 10% off their total purchase Monday with a military ID and the chain’s MVP card. Foot Locker: Save 20% on most online purchases after verifying military service. Ford: Through July 9, active duty and veterans get a bonus cash discount up to $1,000 on eligible cars, which is a special event from the general Ford Military Appreciation program. Learn more and sign up for verification with ID.me at www.fordsalutesthosewhoserve.com. Fresh Market: Saturday through Monday, active military, veterans and their spouses get 10% off purchases with military ID. Excludes alcohol and gift card purchases. General Motors: Learn more about the GM Military Discount program at www.gmmilitarydiscount.com. Home Depot: All military veterans get a 10% discount on Memorial Day and there’s also a year-round 10% discount for active duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and immediate dependents. Valid military required. J.C. Penney: Through Monday, current and former military personnel and their immediate family members get 10% off with a valid military or VA card in-store. Can be combined with another discount but some exclusions apply. J.C. Penney Portraits: Through June 30 at participating locations, members of the military can get a free portrait, free sitting fees and half-off additional purchases when they present a military identification at the beginning of photo session and a coupon. Jo-Ann Fabric: 10% discount for military service members and their families year round. Lids: Through Monday, with a military ID get free embroidery and customization. Lowe’s: 10% off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel and veterans. Enroll at www.lowes.com/military. Michaels: 15% discount for military families every day. Nike: Active, veteran, retired and reservists, spouses and dependents of active personnel get a 10% military discount at Nike.com and Nike, Converse and Hurley stores. To get the discount online, verification of eligibility is required and a military ID is required to get in-store savings.<doc-sep>
CHICAGO — Police in the nation’s third-largest city said 36 people were shot —including seven fatally — over the Memorial Day weekend, slightly less gunfire than the city has seen over the holiday weekend in the previous two years. The city tallied six murders and 44 wounded over the weekend — what has historically been one of the most violent times of the year here — last year, and seven murders and 61 shooting victims during the 2016 holiday weekend, according to police. The reduction in gun violence comes as city officials are trying to turn the corner after two horrendous years in which Chicago recorded 650 murders in 2017 and 762 murders in 2016 — more homicides than any other U.S. city and a level of gun violence more typical of the late 1980s and early 1990s when many major metros were battered by the scourge of gang-fueled drug violence. The city has had 191 murders so far in 2018, compared with 237 murders at the same point last year, and is on pace once again to record more homicides than any other American city. There have been 821 shooting incidents so far this year compared with 1,032 at the same point last year. Despite the 19% decline in murders and 20% decrease in shootings, Chicago still has tallied nearly as many homicides thus far in 2018 as New York City (106) and Los Angeles (92) combined. As it has done in the past, Chicago Police flooded the streets with hundreds of additional officers in hopes of stemming the violence. The department said it seized 115 illegally possessed guns off the streets from 6 p.m. Friday through Monday. “This isn’t the weekend for nonsense,” Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson declared. More:As Chicago weather warms, 84 people shot in nation's third-largest city in week More:Chicago to get more ATF agents to fight gun violence More:ATF agent shot in 'ambush', critically injured in Chicago during investigation More:Baltimore is the nation's most dangerous city More:Opioids are adding a dangerous wrinkle to violent cities More:London's murder rate now tops New York City's Chicago has invested millions of dollars in improving technology to help officers on the street more quickly respond to shootings and better predict areas that could be hotspots for violence. Crime analysts from the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab work with police at 13 of the city’s 22 police districts in what have been dubbed Strategic Decision Support Centers. The technological surge includes an expansion of ShotSpotter technology — sensors that several big-city police departments use to help detect gunfire — and increases the number of remote-controlled police cameras. The data from the ShotSpotter sensors and the remote videos are immediately accessible to cops on the streets via smartphones. The department found ShotSpotter sensors, on average, detect shootings five minutes ahead of when dispatchers first receive citizen reports. The Trump administration also announced last year that it was dispatching an additional 20 ATF agents permanently to Chicago to help crack down on gun violence. With the additional agents, the agency presence will increase to about 61 agents from 41 in Chicago. The Justice Department and city also formed a joint strike force of federal and local law enforcement officials to ramp up prosecution of gun-related crimes. Among the murder victims this weekend around Chicago were five men and two young women. Police had no suspects in custody in any of the fatal shootings. While Chicago and Illinois have relatively stricter gun laws, police have traced much of the gang-related gun violence in Chicago to illegally purchased weapons from other states, including Indiana, Mississippi and Wisconsin. A study published earlier this month in the Journal of Urban Health that looked at the social network of 188,000 people arrested in Chicago found that people in the network were 2.5 “handshakes” away from access to a firearm. The study also found that gang membership reduced the distance to access to a firearm by 27%. “People are pretty darn close to guns, but it’s not quite as easy as driving through McDonald’s,” said Northwestern University sociology professor Andrew Papachristos, who was a senior author of the study. “But gangs play a key role in facilitating access to guns.” Follow USA TODAY's Aamer Madhani on Twitter: @AamerISmad