CHICAGO (WLS) — A tragic night unfolded in Chicago’s Loop as seven teenagers, aged 13 to 17, were wounded by gunfire on Friday evening. In a related incident nearby, another teen lost their life, and an adult male was injured, according to police reports.
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The initial outbreak of violence occurred just before 10 p.m., mere moments from the ABC7 State Street studios. Journalists on the scene reported hearing the gunshots.
Law enforcement officers observed a sizable crowd gathered on the sidewalk in the vicinity of 100 North State Street when sudden gunfire erupted, causing panic and dispersion among the group.
The unsettling events transpired directly in front of the iconic Chicago Theater, prompting nearby pedestrians to seek safety.
Fortunately, most of the young shooting victims were reported to be in stable condition and are anticipated to make a full recovery, police stated.
Roughly an hour after the initial incident, officers responded to another shooting at the intersection of Dearborn and Monroe. Authorities reported that two individuals were shot at around 10:40 p.m. in the 100 block of South Dearborn Street.
One of the male victims was taken to Northwestern Hospital and later died. Their identity was not yet known. The second victim is an 18-year-old man who was shot in the leg and was listed in serious condition, CPD said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke on the shootings during an event Saturday morning, saying the victim who died in the second shooting was a 14-year-old.
Chicago police said the following victims were shot in the State Street incident:
-A 14-year-old boy sustained a gunshot graze wound to the stomach and is listed in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
-A 15-year-old boy sustained a gunshot graze wound to the left thigh and is listed in good condition at Stroger hospital.
-A 17-year-old boy sustained a gunshot graze wound to the left thigh and is listed in good condition at Stroger hospital.
-A 14-year-old girl sustained a gunshot wound to the right hip and is listed in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
-A 16-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is listed in good condition at Northwestern hospital.
-A 14-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is listed in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
-A 13-year-old girl sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is listed in fair condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
Police have not said if the two shootings are connected. So far, no one is custody in either shooting.
Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward posted the following to social media late Friday:
“300 juveniles rioting in the Loop now, at least 5 victims shot, one critical with life threatening gunshot wound to torso. Multiple police officers attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, at least one PO hospitalized.”
