A federal magistrate judge has ordered a man accused of opening fire outside Wrigley Field earlier this month to be held in custody without bail. Raphael Hammond, 37, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a handgun in connection with the shooting. The incident occurred outside a bowling alley across from the stadium in the early hours of May 5. A masked man jumped out of an SUV and shot at Hammond, injuring two of his friends. Hammond then shot at the fleeing vehicle with a gun he had found on the ground inside the bowling alley.
Hammond’s attorney, Patrick Boyle, argued for home detention for his client, stating that Hammond was only trying to defend himself after seeing his friend’s gun when he ducked inside the bowling alley. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert denied the request, citing Hammond’s criminal background and past felony convictions, including being a felon in possession of a handgun. Gilbert also noted that Hammond had been shot 12 times in the past, indicating a pattern of dangerous behavior. The motive for the attack remains unknown, and the gunman in the SUV is still at large.
The shooting outside Wrigley Field has raised concerns about public safety and gun violence in the area. Hammond’s actions, whether in self-defense or otherwise, have added to the unease surrounding the incident. The decision to keep him in custody without bail reflects a concern for public safety and the potential danger Hammond may pose due to his criminal history and past involvement with firearms. The search for the gunman in the SUV continues, with authorities seeking to determine the motive behind the attack.
Hammond’s case underscores the complex issues surrounding gun violence and the criminal justice system. His attorney’s argument for home detention highlights the need to consider individual circumstances and the possibility of self-defense in such cases. However, Judge Gilbert’s decision to keep Hammond in custody reflects a broader concern about his criminal background and potential danger to society. The ongoing investigation into the shooting outside Wrigley Field will hopefully shed light on the motives behind the attack and help bring the assailant to justice.
The incident outside Wrigley Field serves as a reminder of the prevalence of gun violence in today’s society and the need for effective measures to address this issue. The uncertainty surrounding the motive for the attack and the continued search for the gunman highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in investigating such cases. Hammond’s case, with its mix of self-defense claims and past criminal convictions, adds a layer of complexity to the situation and underscores the importance of examining each case on its individual merits. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and seeking justice for the victims of the shooting.
