Two mail carriers robbed, one shot in Chicago amidst crime surge.

Two Chicago USPS mail carriers fell​ victim to armed robberies within minutes of each other on Tuesday afternoon, adding to the escalating crime rate in the city under its new mayor.

One ‍of the mail carriers, a 52-year-old man, was not only robbed but also ⁢shot,​ and he is currently in ⁢serious to critical condition ⁢at a local hospital, as‍ reported by a local ABC affiliate. Surveillance footage captured the moments ⁢leading up to the robberies, showing both letter carriers and the suspects’ white Kia, which was used in both crimes.

The city has experienced a staggering 38 percent increase in ‌crime since Mayor ‍Brandon Johnson (D.) assumed office in May, according to a report. Robberies alone have risen by 17 percent ‌compared to the same period last year, as indicated by city police data, and have surged by 30 ⁣percent over the past three years. In a particularly violent weekend last month, at least⁣ 33 individuals were shot, resulting‌ in 6⁣ fatalities ‍and ⁤27 injuries.

During his campaign, Mayor Johnson ⁤advocated for diverting crisis calls from the police to health professionals, rather than increasing police presence. He was the sole candidate who ⁢opposed filling the 1,600 vacancies within the Chicago ⁢Police Department. ‌Furthermore, he has openly supported the‍ “defund the police” movement, considering it a “real ⁣political goal.”

Despite the ‌recovery ​of the suspects’ vehicle, they remain at large, posing ⁤an ongoing threat to the community.

“You just have to be aware of your surroundings at all times. You just never ⁢know,” expressed concerned Chicago resident Carolyn Mitchell in an interview with​ a local ABC affiliate. “You just never know if it’ll be you. If⁤ they attack the mail carriers, I walk down⁢ this street, somebody could attack me.”