The cultural trend of so-called teen takeovers has popped up across the U.S. in recent years, influencing local policing and national politics. The events, often hyped online and captured in videos on social media, have led to shootings, theft and vandalism. City officials and police are concerned about an increase over the summer, and are under pressure to prevent similar gatherings or to punish those who participate. He told city officials that young people might respond if there were more safe places to gather. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, File) - The Associated PressDamarion Spann poses for a portrait in Chicago, Monday, July 13, 2026.