Chicago, Illinois – A suburban mother was critically injured after being attacked near Union Station in downtown Chicago, highlighting growing concerns over public safety in the city. The incident, which occurred on August 19, is underscored by a recent spike in violent crime that has drawn attention from local and national leaders.
Kathleen Miles, a resident of Lake Villa, Illinois, sustained significant facial injuries, including broken bones and a concussion, after an alleged unprovoked assault by 32-year-old William Livingston, a man with a lengthy criminal history. This attack unfolded as Miles was walking home from work with a colleague when Livingston reportedly squeezed between them and struck her.
“She described how he interrupted us, shoved us apart, and hit me,” Miles recalled her friend saying, reflecting on the chaos of the moment. The assault left her with no memories of the incident itself, with her first recollections occurring in a hospital bed, attended to by her daughter.
Livingston was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery causing great bodily harm. His criminal record reveals a disturbing pattern, with 17 arrests since 2014, primarily for violent offenses directed at women and law enforcement.
Following the incident, Miles expressed frustration with city policies that she believes have allowed repeat offenders like Livingston to roam freely. “It’s 2025, and he’s still out there. If he had faced real repercussions for his actions, I wouldn’t be enduring these injuries,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing safety concerns.
Chicago has witnessed an alarming rise in violent crime, particularly over recent holiday weekends. The Labor Day weekend alone saw a staggering 58 people shot and eight fatalities, amplifying calls for stronger action against crime.
In response to ongoing violence, President Trump has indicated plans to potentially deploy the National Guard to Chicago, suggesting that the federal intervention could help quell the surge in crime. While he has yet to specify a timeline for such actions, he has urged local leaders to collaborate with federal resources.
“We’re going in,” Trump stated during a recent meeting, suggesting a willingness to act without waiting for local authorities to reach out. His comments come amid pressures on city leadership, which includes Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, to manage the rampant violence effectively.
As the city grapples with these challenges, the effects on residents like Miles serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective solutions to curb violence and enhance public safety in Chicago.