Dozens of people gathered in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood, Back of the Yards, on Monday, April 15th, to express their condemnation of the gun violence that tragically resulted in the death of 9-year-old Ariana Molina and left many injured.
The attack, which took place on a Saturday night, resulted in ten people being wounded. Among them were three boys aged 1, 8, and 9.
The other seven victims were adults, ranging in age from 19 to 40 years old.
A 36-year-old man was reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining victims were considered to be in good condition.
The incident led to a community-driven march and a prayer vigil to honor the victims and advocate for peace.
Family members of the victims are in a state of profound grief, particularly as several individuals, including young children, remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Julia Molina, the great aunt of two critically injured boys, shared their harrowing condition, noting that both were intubated after surgery to remove bullets from their stomachs.
The local community, deeply affected by the tragedy, showed robust support for the bereaved family.
“Help us Lord to live up to your expectations. Help us to lift up who we are. Help us to be our better selves,” a speaker urged during the march, as ABC7 Chicago reported.
Jose Molina, the father of the slain child, expressed his sorrow and confusion over the senseless violence.
“She was the best daughter ever…sweet…she loved to play…she was helpful…she was the best,” he reminisced about his daughter, struggling to understand the motive behind the attack.
Organizations such as Increase The Peace are also stepping forward to coordinate efforts for long-term community healing and support, pledging to connect residents with necessary services and fostering a spirit of resilience.
“The tragic mass shooting in the Back of the Yards over the weekend was a cowardly act, and we are organizing this prayer vigil as a means to demonstrate our solidarity with the family — as a method to rally our community against the violence in our neighborhoods, and to declare, ‘enough is enough,’” remarked Berto Aguayo, executive director of Increase the Peace.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and local officials have responded by implementing initiatives to support the community, including a mass canvassing event to provide comprehensive victim services and increase police presence.
“This heinous and cowardly act of wanton violence that leaves our city mourning children is beyond reprehensible and has no place in our communities. We are all allowed to be outraged today – a warm, spring day that I am sure this child would have been enjoying with family. I am praying for her loved ones and her community as they experience the unimaginable pain of losing a child,” stated Mayor Johnson.
