In a shocking turn of events, a news crew from Spanish-language station Univision Chicago became the victims of a robbery while reporting on a string of robberies in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The incident occurred at approximately 5 a.m. on Monday when three masked men approached the reporter and photographer, brandishing firearms and demanding their belongings.

According to Luis Godinez, the vice president of news at Univision Chicago, the robbers mainly targeted personal items, but also made off with the crew's television camera. The stolen camera contained footage of the story they were covering about the West Town community's recent robberies, which unfortunately never made it on air. Godinez expressed his concerns for the safety of his team, stating, "They're OK, and we're working on it together as a team."

Chicago police identified the victims as a 28-year-old man and a 42-year-old man. The three armed men arrived in a gray sedan and a black SUV, quickly robbing the news crew before fleeing in their vehicles. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident.

This unfortunate incident marks the second robbery involving a Chicago news crew in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a photographer from WLS-TV was assaulted and robbed while preparing to cover a news conference on Chicago's West Side. The escalating danger faced by journalists has prompted the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians Local 41 to address the growing safety threats faced by those who cover the news.

Raza Siddiqui, the president of the union local, emphasized the importance of prioritizing journalist safety and announced plans to implement additional safety measures, including assigning security personnel to some TV crews. The union is also organizing a safety meeting to address concerns and provide support for its members.

CBS Chicago reported at least seven robberies occurring Sunday night into Monday morning across various neighborhoods in the city, including the robbery of the Univision news crew. Additionally, two carjackings were reported in Wicker Park and West Town overnight. Police cautioned against resisting during a robbery and urged citizens to remain calm, report suspicious activity immediately, and provide any unique physical characteristics of the assailants.

In light of this unsettling incident, it is crucial for both journalists and the public to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. The safety of those reporting the news must be a top priority, and steps must be taken to ensure their protection. As investigations continue, the hope is that the perpetrators will be swiftly apprehended, bringing a sense of security back to the Chicago community.