Two women were shot today as innocent bystanders in gun violence incidents initiated by men or boys.

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a pair of teenage boys, one 17 and the other 13,  got into a spat over insults on social media. When they later engaged in public gunplay, a woman was struck and injured.  She has been treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Both boys were charged. The 17-year-oldwas charged with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, shooting into an occupied dwelling and second-degree assault. He was charged as an adult and has a bond of $70,500. The 13-year old was charged with attempted murder and illegal possession of a stolen gun.  He is being held at a juvenile facility.

In Chicago, Illinois, a 68-year old woman was struck by gunfire while walking on the street.  No one has yet been charged.

Sources:

Howard Koplowitz, “Social Media Spat Leads to Tuscaloosa Gunfire; Boys Arrested, Woman Injured,” al.com (April 22, 2022).

“4500 Block of N. Central Park on April 22, 2022,” Chicago Police Department (April 22, 2022).