Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants the Illinois General Assembly to pass a bill that would apply federal racketeering charges to gang leaders. Emanuel argues that the pending legislation will provide "additional tools" for law enforcement to go after gang violence. The murder rate in Chicago is up 35 percent from the first three months of 2011 to the first three months of this year, an increase that the Chicago Police Department has attributed to gangs.

The legislation to prosecute anyone directly or indirectly involved in gang activity has already passed the Illinois House and awaits consideration by the Senate.