“River North Shooting: 4 Dead, 14 Injured in Chicago Drive-By Attack Late Wednesday Night”

River North Shooting: 4 Killed, 14 Injured in One of Chicago’s Worst Mass Shootings in Recent Years

The River North shooting late Wednesday night has shaken Chicago to its core, leaving four people dead and 14 others injured. This tragic incident unfolded outside a popular restaurant and lounge in the heart of River North, a district known for its vibrant nightlife. Authorities believe this may be one of the deadliest shootings the city has seen in recent times.

What Happened During the River North Shooting?

According to the Chicago Police Department, the River North shooting occurred around 11:02 p.m. near the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, just outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge. Witnesses reported a dark-colored vehicle driving past the establishment before someone opened fire on a crowd gathered outside. The vehicle then sped away from the scene, leaving chaos in its wake.

The shooting happened shortly after an album release party hosted by local rapper Mello Buckzz. Videos posted online showed the artist and attendees celebrating moments before the gunfire erupted.

Victims of the River North Shooting: Lives Lost and Injuries Reported

Among the 18 total victims in the River North shooting, four individuals were tragically killed:

• Two women, whose identities have not yet been released, were pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
• A 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old man succumbed to gunshot wounds at Stroger Hospital.

In addition to those killed, 14 people were injured in the River North shooting. Three women remain in critical condition:

• A 24-year-old shot in the back
• A 25-year-old shot in the leg
• A 21-year-old woman struck in the mouth

Another victim, a 31-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds, is in serious condition. Ten other victims—both men and women between the ages of 24 and 32—are reportedly in fair to good condition across various hospitals in the area.

Community Reacts to River North Shooting Tragedy

Residents and witnesses have described the scene as “traumatizing” and “chaotic.” Blood, personal belongings, and shattered glass were still scattered near the entrance of the restaurant the next morning. The violence was so extreme that some police officers reportedly rushed victims to hospitals in their own vehicles before ambulances could arrive.

A local resident named Arielle, who lives near the scene of the River North shooting, described the moment she realized something terrible had happened.

“I was downstairs doing dishes when I heard a commotion. One look at a neighbor’s face and I knew I had to call 911 immediately.”

Eyewitness Accounts and Videos Surface from River North Shooting

Video footage shared on social media shows people dancing at the album release party moments before shots were fired. One witness told reporters:

“It all happened so fast. One second we were laughing, the next, everyone was screaming and running.”

Another woman outside Northwestern Memorial Hospital revealed that her daughter, 26-year-old Taylor Walker, was among those killed. Taylor’s girlfriend also suffered gunshot wounds.

“My girlfriend got shot too,” said her mother, Sharonda Booth. “We’re still waiting for updates. Some people were transferred from ambulance to ambulance—it was that hectic.”

Authorities Investigate River North Shooting: Multiple Shooters Suspected

Chicago police say preliminary investigations suggest there may have been multiple shooters involved in the River North shooting. So far, no arrests have been made, and authorities continue to analyze video footage and gather witness statements.

According to CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling,

“We’re doing everything possible to identify those responsible. This level of violence cannot be tolerated in our communities.”

A press conference was held the following morning where Mayor Brandon Johnson called the shooting “a heartbreaking reminder of the urgency to address gun violence in our city.”

Artis Restaurant Responds to River North Shooting

The management of Artis Restaurant and Lounge, the venue where the incident occurred, issued a public statement expressing their sorrow:

“Artis was created as a safe space. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and are reviewing all safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.”

This isn’t the first time tragedy has struck this location. In 2022, a separate shooting left one person dead and three injured at what was then known as Hush, prompting city officials to shut down the bar at the time.

River North Shooting Raises Security Concerns in Nightlife Hotspots

The River North shooting is reigniting concerns about the security and safety of nightlife districts in Chicago. The area, home to numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants, is often bustling with people during late-night hours.

Debra Brady, a long-time River North resident, said:

“It hasn’t been this bad in a while. I heard 10 to 12 gunshots like rapid fire—it was terrifying.”

Local businesses are now calling for increased police presence, especially during nighttime hours, to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.

Mello Buckzz Speaks Out After River North Shooting

Rapper Mello Buckzz, who was hosting the release party at Artis, took to Instagram to address the shooting:

“I don’t wish this kind of pain on anyone. Please keep everyone in your prayers.”

The artist also reposted videos of the celebration that occurred moments before the attack, expressing deep sorrow for the lives lost and those still fighting for recovery.

Past Incidents and the Future of Public Safety in River North

This River North shooting is part of a broader pattern of escalating gun violence in Chicago, raising difficult questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the need for stricter gun control measures.

Community leaders and local pastors are calling for both law enforcement intervention and community healing. Pastor Donovan Price, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, described it as one of the worst he’s ever seen.

“There was blood on the streets. People screaming. It was absolute chaos,” he told local reporters.

Conclusion: River North Shooting Leaves City Mourning, Demanding Answers

The River North shooting has left a city mourning and a community demanding action. With 4 people killed and 14 injured, Chicago faces another tragic reminder of the devastating impact of unchecked violence. As investigations continue, families wait for justice, and residents brace for answers.

As Chicagoans grapple with grief, there is also growing urgency for authorities to act—before another neighborhood becomes the site of yet another tragic headline.

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