Teen Takeovers
Chicago police officers attempt to disperse hundreds of young people near the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Monday, May 25, 2026.
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A growing trend called “teen takeovers” where scores of young people converge on small areas have raised safety concerns in cities across the United States, and prompted officials to develop strategies to control the trend. Fueled by warm weather and driven by social media, takeovers have popped up in big cities like Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Detroit, and smaller communities like Clearwater, Florida. The gatherings often lead to fights, theft and vandalism. In May, a 14-year-old was shot and wounded during a fight with other teens during a takeover in downtown Detroit. Vehicles in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood were damaged during a takeover there.