Deadly Chicago mass shooting breaks out after album release party
Four people were killed and 14 others wounded in a mass shooting late Wednesday night in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
Fox – 32 Chicago
Four people were killed and 14 were injured in a drive-by shooting in Chicago’s River North neighborhood July 2, police said.
The shooting happened at about 11 p.m. when a dark-colored vehicle drove by and fired into a crowd of people standing outside before immediately fleeing the scene, the Chicago Police Department said in a statement to USA TODAY. The incident occurred outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed during a news conference.
The deceased victims included two men 24 and 25 and two women ages 26 and 27, police said. The injured ranged in ages from 21 to 32 and were taken to area hospitals. Three of the injured were in critical condition: One was shot in the back, a second was shot in the leg and another in the mouth.
The 18 people were shot “in a matter of seconds,” Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said at a news conference.
Police have not made any arrests and were investigating the morning of July 3.
“Clearly, there was some target. This wasn’t some random shooting where someone just decided that they were going to shoot at this particular group of people,” Snelling told reporters. He said police do not yet know the motive for the shooting.
Multiple shell casings were found at the scene including ones that appeared to be from a rifle, Snelling said,
Artis Restaurant and Lounge was hosting a party for local rapper Mello Buckzz when the shooting occurred, outlets including WGN and the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
“Last night, an act of violence happened within the vicinity of our restaurant – and it shook us deeply,” Artis said in a post to social media, adding that it was created as a safe space for people of color, LGBTQ people and allies. “This moment is painful – but it only strengthens our commitment to holding space for those who need it most.”
The restaurant said it was working with authorities. Police have ordered the restaurant to close during the ongoing investigation.
The incident was one of two mass shootings in Chicago the night of July 2, Mayor Brandon Johnson said. The other left four victims hospitalized on the far south side.
Chicago police are planning to increase their presence during the Fourth of July weekend around popular areas where people gather, including the lake front, beaches and parks, Snelling said.
Johnson said he was “frustrated and angered by this senseless and cowardice act of violence.”
“Shootings like these are a tragic reminder of how far we still have to go as a city,” he said.
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