Ald. Deb Mell plans to attend the court hearings related to this week's brutal Kedzie Brown Line attack. View Full Caption Facebook/The Residents of Irving Park

ALBANY PARK — Like many people, Ald. Deb Mell (33rd) was disturbed when she received word of this week's brutal machete attack at the Kedzie Brown Line station, and it provided little comfort that neither the alleged attackers nor their victims hailed from Albany Park.

"It doesn't matter to me," said Mell. "I just kept thinking about those two kids sitting there and having this mob come up and attack them."

In an email to constituents, Mell stated her intention to attend the alleged perpetrators pending court hearings, a vow she reiterated in an interview with DNAinfo Chicago.

"We're going to go to court," she said. "We'll let everyone know when these cases come up."

Court advocacy is something Mell has championed in her first year as alderman. Both she and her chief of staff Dana Fritz have attended criminal and housing court proceedings, and she's encouraging residents to do the same whenever possible.

The point, Mell said, is partially to serve as a watchdog over the judicial system.

"When I talk to the [police] commander, a constant theme is 'The judges are too lenient,'" said Mell.

"I think it's important we go to court to show the judge" that the community is engaged, she said. "It makes a difference."

Attending hearings, she noted in her email, also sends "a strong message that acts of violence are not acceptable in the 33rd Ward, and we will not stand idly by when someone is harmed here."

"Sometimes there are neighborhoods where it looks like there isn't anyone paying attention," Mell said, but Albany Park isn't one of them.

The incident at the Kedzie CTA station comes on the heels of a number of positive strides in the neighborhood, including Albany Park's first-ever summer street festival.

"Let's not let this attack derail us," Mell said.

Those interested in obtaining regular updates on news and events in the 33rd Ward can follow Ald. Mell on Facebook and Twitter or visit the 33rd Ward website to sign up for the weekly newsletter.

The next CAPS meeting for Beat 1713, which includes the area where the machete attack occurred, will take place 7-8 p.m., Sept. 25, North Park University, 5000 N. Spaulding Ave.

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