Gun assault rates for kids doubled in Chicago, 3 other big cities during COVID pandemic, even worse for Black children, study finds

A small memorial last October outside the home where Akeem Briscoe, 7, was shot to death in the 2600 block of West Potomac Avenue in Humboldt Park. Rates of child shootings have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among Black children, according a new study. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere / Sun-Times file)

Rates of gun assaults on children roughly doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study that looked at gun deaths and injuries in Chicago and three other major cities.

Black children were the most frequent victims.