Gun violence in America: Jeff Tweedy's home shot at in Chicago

On Tuesday morning, numerous gunshots were fired at Jeff Tweedy's home in Irving Park, Chicago. Luckily, the frontman of the iconic indie rock band Wilco and his family were unharmed.

His wife, Susan Miller Tweedy, detailed the incident in a Facebook post. She reported hearing: “Seven to 10 shots fired at what sounded like right at our house … A bullet went through the storm door to our balcony and lodged in the wooden door.” She also said that Jeff found seven bullet casings outside their home.

Tweedy’s son Spencer reported to local radio that he did not believe his family were deliberately targeted.

Yet, the incident is a harsh reminder of the widespread problem of gun violence in America, specifically within the urban areas of the country's midwestern region. Hailing from Detroit (another Midwest city), I have firsthand seen the constant reports and ramifications of gun violence all my life. Every night on the night news I'd see reports of gun violence. At a certain point, I became desensitized to such horrific news and accepted that shootings were normal in the city.

Even in the wake of dozens of fatal mass shootings this year, America has yet to see a substantial change in gun legislation. Nearly every day the country falls victim to a mass shooting incident.

Back in Chicago, seven people were shot dead and 46 wounded in early August. Mayor Lori Lightfoot responded, saying, “As a city, we have to stand up and do a hell of a lot more than we’ve done in a very long time.” Yet, just this past month in October, three were killed and 21 wounded in a single weekend.

This month, Chicago police reported that murders were down 11% and shootings 10% during the first 10 months of 2019, compared with the same period in 2018.

Perhaps Tweedy's situation will serve as an impetus for change, but considering how much the country has already endured without taking action, it seems unlikely at this time.