I have heard about violent crimes in Chicago from several online contributors, besides the "usual" shooting in school across the States. It really sounds dangerous and unsafe, and I can't see myself feeling safe knowing that someone could come out of nowhere and shoot randomly because they are having a bad day.
I am not in favor of personal carry and use of firearms, just because the only countries that have a lot of firearms going around (either legally or illegally) seems to have also the higher homicide rates worldwide.
I understand that it comes to a point where you'd want to get one for personal defense.
When we moved to Argentina, I really wanted to have a gun besides my bed after reading of robberies at night with people being beaten up and tied while the thieves ransack their house. However, not having had any issue for several years, I soon forgot about it.