A volunteer for a city council candidate in Chicago was shot while canvassing and live-streaming his efforts on Facebook Live.
Maxwell Omowale Justice can be seen speaking to the camera as he campaigns for Joseph Williams in the Windy City’s 15th Ward on Sunday. Justice says:
Out here this evening knocking doors in the 15th Ward. Supporting my man Joseph Williams. Out here canvassing. Knocking on doors. You know, letting people know who he is and his platform. If you live in the 15th Ward, support Joseph Williams, he–
The video cuts out as several shots are fired.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Justice was shot once in the leg by a man in a red ski mask. The wound wasn’t too debilitating, however, as Justice eschewed the use of an ambulance for the trek to a nearby hospital.
The Tribune notes:
Justice drove himself to Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, where he was treated and released. Reached Monday morning, Justice said he was resting and wasn’t ready to speak more. In social media posts, he shared an image of [his] bleeding leg.
Justice’s preferred candidate, Williams, was campaigning with his children just a few houses down at the time of the shooting. The Williams campaign was in the process of obtaining affidavits after having their nominating petition challenged in court, according to Erin Ellenbolt, Williams’ campaign manager.
“Maxwell had just shown up and he was handing out flyers as well and trying to get signatures,” Ellenbolt noted.
The campaign manager also offered a political assessment of the shocking incident.
It’s what we’re fighting for, it’s the violence in Englewood and the violence in the 15th Ward that we’re trying to combat. It’s made it personal for Joseph, I know that. He and Maxwell are incredibly close friends. It’s finding that balance between personal safety and it’s also what makes this campaign so important.
Justice remained in good spirits after the shooting.
“Blessed and thankful to be in the land of the living, he wrote on Facebook. “Be safe and watchful; the enemy is busy.”
[image via screengrab/Facebook]
Follow Colin Kalmbacher on Twitter: @colinkalmbacher
