2025 Chicago Air and Water Show: Residents of East Lakeview condo buildings say windows shattered during Thunderbirds practice
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Residents of the North Side reported that windows in several condo buildings were broken Friday morning during the Air and Water show rehearsals.

They mentioned that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jets flew low over the lakefront, and a loud noise coincided with the glass breaking.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

According to Chicago police, a 311 report was filed around 10:20 a.m. about four lobby windows shattering in a residential building along the 3100-block of North DuSable Lake Shore Drive in East Lakeview.

The high-rise building had to deal with a significant cleanup effort, with shards of glass littering the lobby after a flyover appeared to shake the structure.

“You felt it. I actually felt it in my body,” resident James Baran said.

Baran, a board member of a condo building, was in his unit at 3180 North DuSable Lake Shore Drive during the Thunderbirds’ rehearsals for the upcoming Air and Water Show.

“Out of nowhere, just boom!” Baran said. “And the glass actually flexed right next to my face. I was about a foot from the window.”

The upper-floor windows are made of safety glass, but down in the lobby, three-plate glass windows had shattered.

“It was a group of white jets flying by, and one split off and flew right over our building,” resident Steven Cosgrove recalled. “Right after that, I heard a massive kaboom.”

People downstairs were shaken, but thankfully no one was hurt.

“I would say the pilot probably goosed the throttle a little more than he should have and went supersonic briefly,” Cosgrove said.

RELATED | Chicago Air & Water Show 2025 lineup includes US Air Force Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights

About a mile north, there was a similar story at a building near Lake Shore and Irving Park.

An email sent to residents said windows were broken twice, once in the morning and again mid-afternoon.

It happened around the time the Thunderbirds took to the skies again along the lakefront.

The management at both high-rises have contacted police and the local alderman.

Damage at both buildings is estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars.

An Air Force spokesperson shared the following statement with ABC7:
“On Aug. 15, the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, conducted their standard practice demonstration in advance of the airshow. A thorough review of the practice determined the Thunderbird jets did not go supersonic at any point during the demonstration.”

A message left by ABC7 for the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events was not returned.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was not involved in the incident.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
The Louvre detective? Mystery dapper 'detective' in AP photo after the Louvre heist creates social media buzz

Mystery Man in Dapper Attire Sparks Online Frenzy After Louvre Heist

PARIS — In the aftermath of the audacious theft of the crown…
Chicago volunteers collecting food at El Pollo Cris Cris on SW Side for those in need amid high prices, looming SNAP benefits halt

Local Volunteers Rally at El Pollo Cris Cris to Support Families Facing Rising Costs and SNAP Uncertainty

CHICAGO — As inflation continues to push prices skyward, many families are…

Ex-LAPD Officer Faces Murder Charges in Shocking 2015 Unarmed Homeless Man Shooting

In a significant legal development, a grand jury indictment was revealed on…
A General Dilemma the War Department Must Remedy

War Department Faces Critical Challenge Needing Resolution

In the iconic film “White Christmas,” a song poses a poignant question…
Exclusive -- Trump-Endorsed Massie Challenger Ed Gallrein: Massie 'Not a Statesman'

Trump-Backed Ed Gallrein Criticizes Incumbent Massie, Labels Him as Lacking Statesmanship

During a recent appearance on News Saturday, Ed Gallrein, a seasoned farmer…
Sea & Sky Air Show powers through impacts from government shutdown, windy conditions

Sea & Sky Air Show Triumphs Over Government Shutdown and Challenging Winds

The Sea and Sky Air Show at Jacksonville Beach wrapped up earlier…
More than 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky recalled over metal contamination

Urgent Recall: Over 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Due to Metal Contamination

Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled jerky or return it…
June Lockhart, beloved mother figure from 'Lassie' and 'Lost In Space,' dies at 100 in Santa Monica

Farewell to June Lockhart: Celebrating the Iconic TV Mom from ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space’ at 100

In SANTA MONICA, Calif., June Lockhart, cherished as a maternal figure by…
California union proposes taxing billionaires to offset Medicaid cuts for low-income people

California Union Advocates for Tax on Billionaires to Counteract Medicaid Reductions for Low-Income Residents

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Thursday, a significant union proposed a one-time 5%…
Melodee Buzzard disappearance: New surveillance photos show missing California girl, 9, in possible disguise

New Surveillance Images Suggest Possible Disguise in Case of Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard in California

On Friday, California authorities unveiled new surveillance footage in the ongoing search…
DC sniper's ex-wife reveals his chilling threat before killing spree

Ex-Wife of DC Sniper Discloses Ominous Warning Prior to Deadly Rampage

Dr. Mildred Muhammad found herself on a chilling hit list, targeted for…
'I am not done': Kamala Harris hints at another White House bid

Kamala Harris Teases 2024 White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’ Signals Potential Presidential Campaign

In a recent interview with the BBC, former Vice President Kamala Harris…