CHICAGO — A simple tweet from NASCAR spotter and media personality Brett Griffin asking what to pack for a trip to Chicago has reopened a familiar online debate: Is Chicago as dangerous as the media portrays it?
In the tweet posted early Tuesday, Griffin asked his followers for packing tips before traveling to the Windy City. Among the many responses was a reply from user Alex Picard, who wrote: “Shorts, it’s going to be hot. Chicago is hyped up by the news, and isn’t all that bad. Where you’re gonna be is a pretty nice part of town.”
Any suggestions on what I should pack for Chicago?
— Brett Griffin (@SpotterBrett) July 2, 2025
The comment reflects a growing divide between national headlines that portray Chicago as plagued by gun violence — especially during high-profile weekends like the Fourth of July — and the everyday reality for tourists and locals, many of whom find downtown safe and welcoming.
High-Profile Violence Draws National Attention
This year, Chicago made headlines after a particularly violent July 4 weekend in which 109 people were shot, including 19 fatalities, as reported by NBC News. These numbers reinforce concerns about safety and have long fed a media narrative that paints the city as uniquely dangerous.
But Tourists See a Different City
Despite the grim stats, tourism continues to thrive in areas like the Loop, River North, and the Museum Campus. Chicago’s hotels saw occupancy rates climb this summer, buoyed by visitors attending concerts, festivals, and family trips to Millennium Park or Navy Pier.
Anecdotal replies to Griffin’s tweet echoed this sentiment, with many residents and frequent visitors chiming in that main tourist zones remain relatively safe and that perceptions often don’t match lived experience.
“Most of the city’s violence is concentrated in specific areas and doesn’t affect where the average visitor goes,” wrote one user. “Pack light. You’ll love the food.”
Locals Push Back Against ‘Overhype’
Residents frustrated by national narratives say the media fixates on crime while ignoring Chicago’s culture, resilience, and community work.
“Chicago isn’t perfect, but it’s not a war zone,” one user responded. “We live here, raise our families here, and welcome millions every year. You’re more likely to get heatstroke than mugged downtown.”
Data Shows a Complex Picture
According to recent data from the CPD, while overall homicides have dropped slightly compared to peak pandemic years, carjackings and armed robberies remain elevated, adding to public concern. Still, police and city officials emphasize that the majority of these crimes occur outside major tourist districts, and safety remains a top priority.
Have you visited Chicago recently or are you planning to this summer? Do you think the media exaggerates crime here — or are the fears justified? Tell us what you think at chicagosuburbanfamily.com.
