Chicago Gun Violence High Despite Tough City Laws

Published November 10, 2015 at 12:40 PM EST

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Pierre Stokes, the father of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee, gets a hug during a candlelight vigil held outside his home in memory of his son on November 5, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago Police Superitendant Garry McCarthy claims Lee was lured from a park into a nearby alley and executed because of his father's gang ties. Stokes denies being in a gang. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The death of a 9-year-old child, allegedly at the hands of Chicago gang members, has shocked the country and prompted many to call for tougher gun laws. But gun supporters say Chicago already has tough laws.

Here & Now’s Robin Young talks with a researcher and a Chicago journalist about where guns used in illegal activities come from, and how laws in surrounding communities may affect the availability of guns on Chicago streets.

Guests

Harold Pollack, co-director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab and a professor at the University of Chicago. He tweets @haroldpollack.
Rob Wildeboer, criminal and legal affairs reporter for WBEZ in Chicago. He tweets @robertwildeboer.