At least seven people lost their lives and many others were hurt in a series of shootings across Chicago over the weekend. The violence began on Friday and continued through several incidents in different parts of the city. The deadly events came as President Donald Trump once again called for military involvement in Chicago. He questioned why Illinois Governor JB Pritzker had not asked for federal help to deal with crime. In a message posted on social media on Sunday, Trump said he could make Chicago safer if military forces were deployed. He claimed the city could become one of the safest places in the country within a year. Trump pointed to Washington, DC, as an example. He said the nation's capital had improved after federal action. His administration has also sent National Guard troops to other cities led by Democratic officials, including New Orleans and Memphis. However, some experts have questioned the impact of military deployments on crime. A recent study by a nonpartisan research group found that the National Guard's presence in Washington had little effect on reducing violent crime. Governor Pritzker has repeatedly opposed Trump's proposals regarding National Guard control. He has argued that public safety decisions should remain under state authority. In the past, he also took legal action to challenge federal efforts related to troop deployment in Illinois. Officials from the governor's office did not immediately respond to Trump's latest comments. While the recent shootings have raised concerns, city crime data presents a more complex picture. Police records show a small increase in shooting incidents compared with the same period last year. At the same time, overall violent crime in Chicago has generally fallen over the last few years, following a broader national trend. According to preliminary information from Chicago police, at least two dozen shooting incidents were reported after 5 p.m. on Friday. Several of these cases involved multiple victims. One of the most serious shootings happened on Friday evening. Police said an SUV pulled up near a group gathered on a city street. Two people inside the vehicle allegedly opened fire before leaving the area. Twelve people were struck by gunfire during that attack. The victims included eight men and four women. Their ages ranged from 17 to 47 years old. Emergency crews rushed the injured victims to several hospitals across the city. Authorities said another man suffered injuries during the incident but refused medical treatment. Police continue to investigate the shootings and are searching for suspects. No major arrests related to the mass shooting had been announced at the time of reporting. Among those killed over the weekend were a 21-year-old man, a 33-year-old man, and a 34-year-old man. Each death occurred in separate incidents. Authorities have not yet publicly released the names of many victims. The violence took place during the Juneteenth holiday weekend. Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated each year with community events and gatherings. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed sadness over the shootings. He said a time meant for celebration had been overshadowed by violence. The mayor stated that city leaders stand with the victims and their families. He also promised that law enforcement agencies would work to identify and hold those responsible accountable. The shootings occurred during a high-profile weekend in Chicago. Earlier on Friday, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed visitors to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center on the city's South Side. The event attracted several well-known public figures and entertainers. Former Presidents Joe Biden and George W. Bush also attended the celebration. Trump was not invited to the opening event. Organizers explained that the gathering focused on supporters and contributors who helped bring the center to life. Despite political disagreements, organizers later said Trump would be welcome to visit the campus and learn more about its programs and community projects. As investigations continue, city officials face renewed pressure to address public safety concerns while balancing ongoing debates over crime policy and federal involvement. The recent shootings have once again placed Chicago at the center of a national conversation about violence, law enforcement, and political leadership.