Fact Check: Were more Americans killed in Chicago than in Iran in March?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: As the United States and Iran have entered a ceasefire deal ending the weeks-long war, a rumor has been circulating on social media platforms claiming that more people were killed in Chicago than in Iran in March this year. The claim has triggered concern and criticism. Let us analyze and fact-check the authenticity of the viral claim.
Claim: More Americans were killed in Chicago than in Iran in March
According to the claim that began circulating in March, more Americans have been killed in the city of Chicago during the four weeks of the conflict in the Middle East.
The claim has spread on Facebook and X and originated from a self-described 'conservative truth-teller,' Erick Erickson.
On March 25, the 'Christian broadcaster' posted a video on Instagram, during which he argued the media has exaggerated the peril facing US soldiers regarding the war.
At the end of the footage, he said, “More people have been killed in Chicago, Illinois, in the past four weeks than have been killed at war with Iran. You're not hearing that statistic. The media wants you to think we are losing, that it is a disaster."
"They want Donald Trump humiliated, and if it means cheering on the deaths of our soldiers, the media is willing to do it because they hate Donald Trump so much.”
Fact Check: Defense Department and Chicago Police support the claim
The claim is true, as it is supported by the US Department of Defense and the Chicago Police Department data.
The figures mentioned are the most trustworthy data available right now. However, they may not include unreported or currently unknown deaths.
According to the Chicago Police Department's Public Safety Reports data, from February 23, 2026, through March 22, 2026, a total of 34 murders were recorded in those four weeks.
Data from March 2, 2026, through March 29, 2026, also recorded 34 murders in those four weeks.
Public Safety Reports feature a disclaimer calling them "preliminary and subject to further analysis and revision."
Comparatively, during a press conference on April 8, discussing the ceasefire, Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine confirmed that 13 soldiers had died since the United States launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026.
