Chicago Nightclub Shooting: Four Dead, multiple Wounded in River North

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A drive-by shooting outside the Artis Lounge nightclub in Chicago’s River North neighborhood on Wednesday night resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to at least 14 others. The Chicago Police Department reported that the incident occurred around 11 p.m. in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, as a dark vehicle passed by and three individuals inside opened fire on a crowd gathered on the sidewalk.

Details of the Chicago Nightclub Shooting

The victims’ ages range from 21 to 32. According to police reports, two victims were pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital: 25-year-old Leon Andrew Henry and 23-year-old Devonte Terrell Williamson. Two women, ages 26 and 27, died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital after being shot in the chest.Of the surviving injured, two were transported to Illinois Masonic Hospital, two to Mt. Sinai Hospital, three to stroger Hospital, and six to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Four are in serious or critical condition.

Did you Know? The River North neighborhood, while known for it’s vibrant nightlife, has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years, prompting community discussions about safety and security measures.

Victims and Aftermath

Shaniah Battle, one of the wounded, identified one of the deceased women as her sister, Aviance King.Rapper Mello Buckzz, whose album release party preceded the shooting, posted tributes to the victims, including her boyfriend, devonte Terrell Williamson. Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack, possibly involving members of Mello Buckzz’s inner circle.

Examination and Community Response

The Artis Lounge has confirmed its cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The city has issued a summary closure of the nightclub.Pastor Donovan price described the scene as “the worst” he had ever witnessed, highlighting the chaos and desperation of people searching for loved ones. As of Thursday, no arrests have been made, but police believe three shooters were involved.

Pro Tip: If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, resources are available. Contact the National gun Violence Archive for support and information.

History of Violence at the Location

Notably, the same block was the site of a previous mass shooting in November 2022, when the location was known as Hush Lounge. That incident resulted in one death and three injuries after a fight broke out among a group that had been ejected from the club. Police shut down Hush nightclub following that shooting, and Artis Lounge later opened in the same location.

Chicago Gun Violence Statistics

While Chicago has seen fluctuations in crime rates,gun violence remains a persistent concern.According to data from the Chicago Police Department, there were 4,070 shooting victims in 2022 [1]. Community organizations and city officials are continually working to implement strategies to reduce violence and support affected communities.

What measures are being taken to prevent future incidents?

How can the community support victims of gun violence?