Rush decries the senseless murder of 9-year-old Chastity Turner in Englewood

CHICAGO - Today Congressman Bobby Rush (IL-01) released the following statement regarding the Wednesday night shooting death of a 9-year-old while she and her father bathed the family dog. Rush, whose congressional district includes the community where the homicide occurred, is outraged at and appalled by the steady wave violence in Chicago that continues to claim innocent children, and vowed to continue his efforts to provide safe alternatives to those impacted by the trend.

"Chastity Turner now joins a long list of fallen angels who have been cut down by gun violence in their own community," said Rush. "Instead of celebrating milestones such as college graduation, that first job promotion or a wedding ceremony, Chastity’s parents are now preparing for their daughter’s funeral.  There is a national epidemic of youth violence sweeping our nation. Our children are not expendable, and we must not allow communities such as Englewood to be turned into graveyards. Life has to mean something. Every time we lose a young person to this random and senseless violence, the entire community is the victim. Therefore we have to mobilize, strategize and work together to develop comprehensive, holistic strategies to stop it. How many more must die?  My thoughts and prayers are with the family of 9-year-old Chastity Turner, and particularly her mother and father. We must all come together to ensure that the lives of the innocent have not been taken in vain."

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