Chicago Anti-Violence Advocate Witnesses Shooting in Humboldt Park

Shawn Childs was live-streaming when gunfire erupted nearby, narrowly missing his vehicle.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:51am

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Shawn Childs, the executive director of the House of Hope Foundation, an anti-violence organization in Chicago, was live-streaming in the Humboldt Park neighborhood when gunfire broke out nearby. Childs said the shots were so close that he could hear the bullets hitting the poles and thought they had hit his van. A 38-year-old woman was shot while inside her car, but is expected to be okay.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to be a major issue in Chicago, with the city seeing a rise in shootings and homicides in recent years. This incident highlights the dangers that anti-violence advocates face as they work to address these problems in their communities.

The details

Childs said he got out of his vehicle to see if anyone nearby needed help after the shots were fired around 3:27 p.m. Friday in the 800 block of North Pulaski Road. He reported that the gunfire was extremely close, saying "You could hear the bullets hitting the poles. I thought they hit my van. It was that close." Chicago police confirmed that a 38-year-old woman was shot while inside her car, but is expected to survive her injuries.

  • The shooting occurred around 3:27 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Shawn Childs

The executive director of the House of Hope Foundation, a Chicago-based anti-violence organization.

House of Hope Foundation

A Chicago-based non-profit organization that works to address gun violence and other community issues.

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What they’re saying

“It was so close to me, they could've been right next to my van. You could hear the bullets hitting the poles. I thought they hit my van. It was that close.”

— Shawn Childs, Executive Director, House of Hope Foundation

What’s next

Chicago police continue to investigate the shooting and are working to identify the shooter or shooters.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges and risks that anti-violence advocates face in Chicago as they work to address the city's persistent gun violence problem. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to improve public safety and support community-based organizations working to make a difference.