Moguldum Studios‘ Gunland documentary was released on April 8, which takes a look at Chicago‘s gun violence epidemic. Coupled with the glorification of gang culture by rappers such as Chief Keef and Lil’ Durk, the unknown amount of illegal guns that blanket the city stands as a sobering reminder of how dire the circumstances are.
The massive seizure of illegal guns across the various neighborhoods in the city show no signs of slowing down, making Chicago a literal war zone. With 1,500 guns already taken off the streets in the first 15 weeks of 2014, the final tally will be staggering no matter the number. Last year 6,813 guns were taken off the streets, which was down from 7,400 in 2012.
Hip-Hop Wired takes a look at nine cases of illegal guns across the various neighborhoods of Chicago on the following pages.
Be sure to watch and cop Gunland right here.
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Photos: Chicago PD
Cops Find Rocket Launcher In Raid
In February 2010, cops raided a West Side home and discovered a rocket launcher that fired anti-tank rounds, among other weapons. Eleven other firearms of varying sorts were also uncovered.
Chicago Cops Arrest 300, Haul In 100 Weapons
In 2012, Chicago Police arrested 300 people and took in 100 weapons in a three-day drug sting across 10 districts. The elaborate operation didn’t stave off some of the group killing nine people and injuring 47 others over the course of a four-day spree.
Chicago Police Find Toddler Girl Holding Gun
Police arrested 22-year-old Queshan King for endangering the life of a child and illegal possession of a gun after a routine stop on the city’s West Side revealed a three-year-old girl was holding a gun with live rounds inside of it.
Group Of Four Perform Park Drive-By Shooting, Shoot Toddler Boy In The Face
A group of men aged 20 to 22 opened fired into Cornell Square Park last September, injuring 13 people, including a three-year-old boy. One of the shooters was grazed by a bullet in the area, and the group unloaded a military-grade rifle in an act of misplaced revenge. All four men involved were charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder. Seven men have been charged in total in connection to the crime.
Drug Dealer Caught With World War II-era Rifle
Last November, police raided an empty apartment after witnessing Emmanuel Williams stashing weapons and selling drugs in plain sight. After entering the apartment, cops discovered a WWII-era Sten MKV sub-machine gun and drugs.
High School Student Says He Bought Illegal Gun Because Of Gang Threats
Darnell Hamilton, then a junior in 2012, was arrested after a gun was discovered inside his West Side charter school locker. When questioned by cops, Hamilton, who had no gang affiliation and was a stellar student, said he obtained the gun to protect himself from gang members who threatened to kill him.
Woman Arrested After Cops Seize 8 Weapons & Drugs In Raid
Jessica L. Doherty, 20, of the Southwest Side was arrested after police raided her home and discovered eight weapons, including an assault weapon, semi-automatic handguns and more.
Dogs Shot, Guns & Drugs Seized In Pill Hill
Pill Hill, an affluent predominately Black Southside neighborhood, was the site of a confrontation between and armed man and Chicago police last February. The man’s two pit bulls charged cops, with police killing one of the animals and wounding the other. The man was sitting on a bed with his gun when cops attempted their arrest.
Southside Cops Discover Weapons In Home Of Unsuspecting Owner
An unknown person or persons used the basement of a Harvey woman’s home to stash a variety of weapons. After a tip came in to police from Ohio, they entered the home at the consent of the owner. Police found a Romanian AK-47, a Saiga .410 and a Hi-point 9 mm among other weapons.
