CHICAGO, IL – Two separate shootings erupted in Chicago’s downtown Loop district Friday night, leaving one person dead and eight others wounded just hours after the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park.
The first shooting occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m. near State and Randolph streets, close to the iconic Chicago Theatre. Officers on patrol heard gunshots fired into a large crowd in the 100 block of North State Street, striking seven teenagers ranging in age from 13 to 17 years old.
All seven teens were transported to Stroger Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital in fair to good condition. The violence unfolded during peak downtown activity, as thousands had gathered for the Christmas festivities and the opening night of Christkindlmarket, which had closed at 9 p.m.
Approximately 30 minutes later, a second shooting occurred in the 100 block of South Dearborn Street, near Adams and Dearborn streets. Two people were struck by gunfire in that incident.
One victim was pronounced dead at Northwestern Hospital, while an 18-year-old male suffered a serious leg wound and remained hospitalized. Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased victim pending family notification.
Witness Linda Dixon described the chaotic scene as panic spread through the crowded streets. “Everybody just start running. We almost got knocked in the street,” Dixon said. “It is very disheartening to see this, you know? Holiday time.”
The shootings mark the second consecutive year that gun violence has marred the first Christkindlmarket weekend in downtown Chicago. The holiday market draws thousands of visitors each year to the Loop district.
In response to the violence, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the deployment of 300 additional police officers for Saturday night’s downtown holiday parade. “We have too many guns and too many young people who do not value their lives or the lives of others,” Johnson stated.
No arrests have been announced in either shooting. The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate both incidents, and authorities are seeking witnesses who may have information about the shooters.
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information can call 1-800-535-STOP.
