Chicago, IL – A teen was killed and eight others injured in shootings Friday night in Chicago’s Loop, near State Street and Dearborn and Monroe Streets, prompting a response from Mayor Brandon Johnson and a heightened police presence. The shootings occured amid reports of a large gathering of juveniles in the area.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about safety in the downtown area and raises questions about strategies to address youth violence in the city. Investigations are underway to determine if the shootings are connected and to apprehend any suspects. The shootings underscore a recent spike in incidents involving large groups of young people in the Loop, leading to calls for increased security measures and community intervention programs.
Chicago police reported the following victims in the State Street incident: a 14-year-old boy with a gunshot graze wound to the stomach, listed in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital; a 15-year-old boy with a gunshot graze wound to the left thigh, also in good condition at Stroger hospital; a 17-year-old boy with a gunshot graze wound to the left thigh, in good condition at Stroger hospital; a 14-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to the right hip, in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital; a 16-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the leg, in good condition at Northwestern hospital; a 14-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the leg, in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital; and a 13-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to the leg, listed in fair condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke Saturday following the shootings.
Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward posted on social media late Friday, stating that “300 juveniles [were] rioting in the Loop,” with at least five victims shot, one critically wounded with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso. Hopkins also reported multiple police officers were attacked and injured with mace and stun guns,with at least one officer hospitalized.
Police have not established a connection between the shootings and have not taken anyone into custody as of Saturday.
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