In partnership with the Institute of Politics, please join us for a discussion with U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Chicago), a leading advocate for gun control legislation in Congress, and Roseanna Ander, Executive Director of the UChicago Crime Lab, as they unpack the topic of raging gun violence bedeviling Chicago. The Chicago Tribune’s Annie Sweeney will moderate the conversation.

The Chicago Police Department in on pace to take more than 12,000 guns off Chicago streets this year, a record number that includes guns ranging from pistols to assault rifles. 2021 is on pace to be the deadliest year in Chicago in nearly a quarter century with shootings up 67% compared to pre-pandemic levels. What is being done to confront this spike in violence in Chicago? What factors drive the shootings in Chicago and spiking violence? Why are there so many guns in Chicago when the city and state have some of the nation’s most restrictive gun laws?

This event is free and open to the public. Please note that the main entrance is currently for residents only; please use the door on South Dorchester Ave to enter. Registration is required.

Can’t join us in-person? Watch the livestream.

Convenings are open to all invitees who are compliant with UChicago vaccination requirements and, because of ongoing health risks, particularly to the unvaccinated, participants are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures (masking and social distancing, etc.) appropriate to their vaccination status as advised by public health officials or to their individual vulnerabilities as advised by a medical professional. Public convening may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures. We are complying with all University guidelines on the Go Forward website and, at this time, masks are required to be worn by unvaccinated and vaccinated attendees inside International House.

Presented by the International House Global Voices Lecture Series and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.