The Chicago Tribune chronicles an alarming new trend in gang violence — the use of rifles rather than handguns — which enables gang members to shoot and kill from further away, often with more devastating consequences. The number of people in Chicago shot by rifles has risen to 140 this year, with 50 fatalities. Last year fewer than 20 were shot and just 10 were killed by rifles. According to the story, “Each gun leaves a signature on the ejected casing that police can compare with other casings from other shootings. One rifle has been linked to 13 shootings that left 21 people shot over three months.”

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