A 14-year-old has tragically passed away following a shooting involving multiple teenagers at a Christmas tree lighting event in the US. Chaos unfolded at Chicago’s official Christmas light ceremony when around 300 young individuals stormed the event, resulting in gunfire. Subsequently, Chicago police responded to a second shooting incident minutes later, where two victims were found with gunshot wounds.
The 14-year-old boy sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Another victim, an 18-year-old male, suffered a serious gunshot wound to the leg and was also hospitalized. The shootings occurred around 10:40 pm.
Just before the incident, a large group gathered near the Chicago Theater around 9:50 pm. Gunshots were heard, prompting the group to disperse. Seven individuals, all teenagers aged between 13 and 17, were found with gunshot wounds at the intersection of State and Randolph streets. Additionally, several police officers were attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, with one officer requiring hospitalization.
Alderman Hopkins, representing the second ward district, reported on the situation, mentioning the riot involving 300 juveniles and the shooting of at least five victims, one critically injured. Courtney Spinelli, a reporter from WGNNews, stated that officers witnessed a group appearing on the streets and heard gunfire near the Chicago Theatre. The youngest victim, a 13-year-old girl, was shot in the leg and is currently in stable condition.
Eyewitness Linda Dixon described the chaotic scene as people fled the area, emphasizing the unfortunate timing of the incident during the holiday season. The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the events.