Chicago, Illinois – A mother from the suburbs is recovering after suffering serious injuries from an unprovoked attack in downtown Chicago, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety in the city. As crime rates remain a pressing issue, discussions about deploying the National Guard have intensified.
Kathleen Miles, who works only once a week, was walking with a colleague near Union Station on August 19 when she was allegedly attacked by William Livingston. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Livingston, a known offender with a long history of violent charges, forcibly separated the two women before striking Miles in the face.
“Before I knew it, I was on the ground,” Miles said, recalling her co-worker’s description of the incident. “The next thing I remember is waking up in a hospital bed.”
The injuries Miles sustained during the random attack included several facial fractures, a concussion, and visible bruising. The aftermath of the incident left her disoriented and anxious, with her first moments in the hospital filled with fear and confusion.
Livingston, 32, faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and reckless conduct. With 17 arrests since 2014, many related to similar violent offenses, concerns about repeat offenders have prompted renewed demands for policy reform.
Miles has expressed her frustration over the local government’s failure to keep habitual offenders off the streets. “This is 2025, and he’s still out there. If there had been accountability for his past actions, I wouldn’t be in this situation,” she said.
Violent crime has surged in Chicago, with alarming statistics reported over recent holidays. The Labor Day weekend alone saw dozens of shootings, exacerbating public fear and dissatisfaction with current safety measures.
In response to the escalating violence, President Trump has indicated he may consider sending federal troops to Chicago, reminiscent of military interventions in other cities facing similar challenges. “I’m prepared to act; it’s a matter of public safety,” he asserted during a recent meeting.
While local leaders have expressed mixed reactions to potential federal intervention, many residents like Miles hope for more effective solutions to ensure their safety. As debates unfold around public policy and community safety, the hope is that such incidents will lead to meaningful changes within the city’s approach to crime prevention.