Chicago, known for its soaring homicide rate, has long been grappling with the devastating impact of gun violence. As the city continues to face this alarming crisis, a Democrat politician, Maria Hadden, has put forward a controversial solution – urging gang members to restrict their shootings to the evening hours. Yep, I’m serious.

Hadden’s initiative stems from a proposal put forth by a group called Native Sons. The organization suggests that gang members limit their shooting activities to a specific timeframe, between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. The aim is to strategically approach the city’s gun violence problem and gradually bring about change. Tatiana Atkins, co-founder of Native Sons, emphasizes the need to break the cycle of violence without expecting immediate results.

Under the proposed ordinance, Native Sons urges gang members to adopt certain behavioral changes to reduce gun violence. These changes include refraining from associating with and glorifying shooters, abandoning the use of “switches” that convert semi-automatic handguns into automatic-firing weapons, and ceasing the practice of wearing ski masks that perpetuates a sense of threat and hostility.

Atkins argues that by making it known that the risk of being shot by an unknown assailant is higher during certain hours, people will be less likely to venture outside, leading to increased vigilance and potentially safer neighborhoods. The hope is that this change will prompt individuals to take a more proactive approach in supervising their children and contribute to the overall reduction in gun violence incidents.

Despite the contentious nature of the proposal, Atkins has received a surprising amount of positive feedback from active gang members. Some have even shared the ordinance on social media platforms. This unexpected support highlights the potential for change when the right message is communicated effectively. Native Sons believes that by garnering the support of media, government officials, and community residents, they can create a trend that aligns with the proposed ordinance, ultimately leading to a safer Chicago.

The urgency to address gun violence in Chicago is underscored by its consistently high homicide rates. A Wirepoints survey revealed that Chicago had the highest number of homicides among major cities in the United States in 2022, with a staggering total of 697 recorded cases. Comparatively, Philadelphia had 516 homicides, New York City had 438, Houston had 435, and Los Angeles had 382. This distressing statistic marks Chicago’s 11th consecutive year as the nation’s murder capital.

Gun violence in Chicago affects individuals of all age groups, from young children to the elderly. Innocent lives are lost, futures are shattered, and communities are left in a state of fear and despair. The devastating consequences of gun violence extend beyond the immediate victims, leaving a lasting impact on families, neighborhoods, and the city as a whole. Urgent action is needed to break this cycle of violence and create a safer environment for all Chicagoans.