Wisconsin child killed in midnight shooting

A nine-year-old child was killed in a shooting in Wisconsin.

The incident occurred around 12:05 a.m. on June 13. The child was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

The context

The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred near Swan Road and Fairy Chasm Drive in the early hours of Thursday.

News week contacted a Milwaukee Police Department representative via email for more information.

What we know

The investigation is ongoing and Milwaukee Police continue to search the area for suspects.

A report from WTMJ-TV Milwaukee described the situation as “active.”

The incident shook the local community and added to growing concerns about gun violence in the area.

In 2023, Milwaukee reported more than 800 nonfatal shootings and more than 170 homicides, according to data from the Milwaukee Police Department website.

There was a 20% drop in homicides between 2022 and 2023, but violent crime remains a problem in the city.

A report from WTMJ-TV Milwaukee said that in March, a 14-year-old was shot in the same area.

Earlier this week, a 17-year-old was shot with a 50^th Milwaukee Street. Police are investigating the incident, but so far no arrests have been made and the motive remains unclear. The victim was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive, according to a report from WISN Milwaukee.

In May, two 17-year-old Milwaukee teenagers were shot and one was killed, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

And after?

The community and local authorities are calling for stronger measures to combat gun violence. Recent initiatives by Milwaukee law enforcement include increased patrols in high-crime areas and community engagement programs aimed at preventing youth violence. Additionally, the Milwaukee Health Department has worked on outreach programs to address the root causes of violence and provide support to affected families.

Nationally, the rate of crimes against children is alarming. According to the Children's Defense Fund, guns are the leading cause of death of American children and adolescents, with nearly 3,500 children and adolescents killed by firearms each year in the United States.

The CDC reports that the rate of firearm deaths among children has increased by 50 percent over the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address this problem.

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