Commissioner Dr. Kisha E. Mccaskill Statement on Weekend Shootings in Harvey (Harvey, IL) – August 3, 2025 – I am heartbroken and outraged by the senseless acts of violence that took place in our community this weekend. What should have been a peaceful gathering at a home on Des Plaines Street turned into a tragedy that left one person dead, six others wounded—including a 4-year-old child—and a neighborhood shaken to its core. Just hours later, another life was lost on Calumet Boulevard, in what appears to be a retaliatory act.
My thoughts are with the families of the victims, especially those now tending to the trauma and physical wounds of their loved ones. No child should ever have to experience the terror of gunfire. No parent or resident should ever fear that a community celebration will end in chaos. These victims are our neighbors, our friends, our children.
To the residents of Harvey: we must come together. Violence cannot and will not define who we are. I am in close contact with our police department and investigators, and I want to commend those who have already stepped forward to assist in this ongoing investigation. Your courage brings us one step closer to justice.
But we need more than just justice after the fact. We need prevention, intervention and long-term investment in the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods. That includes working with community leaders, faith organizations, educators and families to interrupt cycles of violence before they take hold.
I am calling on every resident, every stakeholder, and every partner—from law enforcement to state officials—to stand with us in healing and rebuilding. We will be organizing a community town hall and vigil in the coming days to honor the victims and to begin a deeper conversation about real solutions.
We cannot undo what happened this weekend, but together, we can choose a
different path forward.
With resolve and compassion,
Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill
Cook County Commissioner
5th District
Commissioner Dr. Kisha E. Mccaskill Statement on Weekend Shootings in Harvey
