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Jesus Rega: 'Death by cruel and unusual punishment' sought for gang members who shot man with disabilities

Jesus Rega received multiple bullet injuries and was rushed to the Stroger Hospital, where he underwent surgery

ILLINOIS, CHICAGO: Massive outrage has gripped the internet after a 21-year-old man with disabilities was shot at and critically injured at a bus stop near his Back of the Yards residence on January 18. Jesus Rega received multiple bullet injuries and was rushed to the Stroger Hospital, where he underwent surgery. His father Philip reportedly said that Jesus is "alive and well."

The shooting reportedly occurred at around 6.30 am when Philip Rega and his two sons were waiting for a bus to school at around 6.30 am when three people reportedly approached and started shouting gang slogans. Before Rega could call 911, at least 40 bullet rounds were fired. Rega's older son, Jesus, was hit three times, including once in the head. Philip's 15-year-old younger son and he were lucky to escape without wounds. 

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"It’s terribly brazen," Philip was quoted by Fox 32 Chicago as saying. "No one should be shot, let alone shot while standing, waiting for a school bus. No father should see his children shot like this," he said. As per the media house, 39 rounds of gunfire were detected by the city’s gunshot detection system, and multiple shell casings were found at the scene. At the time of writing this report, no arrests had been reported and the Chicago Police Department were looking for the suspects, who reportedly ran north after the firing. 

The incident has generated massive outrage online with netizens demanding the strictest of punishments for the suspects. "I'm generally anti-death penalty, but IMHO the f*****g animals that did this deserve not only death, but death by cruel and unusual punishment," a Twitter user wrote, sharing a news article detailing the crime. "If people are wondering: he’s special needs. That’s why he looks young and going to school at 21. “CPD suspect the shooting was done by members of a known gang…the victim was mistaken for a rival gang member”. So sad. The gangs rule this city. It didn’t have to be this way," wrote another user. A third user commented, "Did they catch the monsters? I have a sinking feeling no…". Tagging Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, a fourth user wrote, "Would you like to explain to the father of this young man how is your plan working to keep people in Chicago safe."

Several Twitteratti also expressed their sadness at the incident. "Such a lovely young man with a beautiful smile," wrote one user, while another commented, "So sad that this is happening so often. Karma should come calling soon for the goons." A third user wrote, "Just saw his dad this morning on the news and my heart goes out to him. I'm sorry this happened. It didn't have to be."