One person was killed and eight others were injured in two separate shootings that occurred in downtown Chicago on Friday night, just hours after large crowds gathered for holiday celebrations.
According to police, the first shooting took place around 9:50 p.m. CT near State and Randolph streets, close to the Chicago Theatre. Officers on patrol heard gunfire being directed toward a large group. Seven teenagers—aged between 13 and 17—were found with gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies. They were transported to nearby hospitals and are reported to be in good or fair condition.
2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins alleged on social media that approximately 300 juveniles were “rioting in the Loop,” adding that several people were shot, including one with life-threatening injuries, and that multiple police officers were attacked with mace and stun guns. At least one officer was hospitalized.
Shortly afterward, a second shooting occurred on the 100 block of South Dearborn Street. Two people were found with gunshot wounds and taken to Northwestern Hospital. One of them was pronounced dead, while the other—an 18-year-old man—was treated for a serious leg injury.
The shootings took place amid heavy pedestrian traffic in the Loop, as thousands had gathered earlier to watch the Millennium Park Christmas tree lighting and to celebrate the opening night of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza.
Linda Dixon, a bystander leaving the Chicago Theatre, described the chaos to CBS News: “We’re coming out of the theater, and everybody just started running. We almost got knocked into the street… It is very disheartening. Holiday time, everybody wants to celebrate and something like this happens.”
The Cook County Crime Stoppers has offered a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. The Chicago Police Department has yet to comment further on the investigation.
