A Chicago neighborhood, famous for its restaurants and nightlife, took a terrifying turn late at night Wednesday when gunfire erupted from a speeding car, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.
As the shots were fired, attendees of an album release party for the rapper Mello Buckzz, who were inside a nearby restaurant, dropped to the ground or shouted in panic, according to witnesses.
Larry Snelling, the head of the Chicago Police Department, condemned the shooting during a news conference, calling it a “cowardly act.” He clarified that the incident was limited to a specific location that had been rented out for an event.
“In a matter of seconds, they were able to shoot 18 people, taking four lives,” Snelling stated.
As of now, no suspects are in custody, and the police have urged the public to submit anonymous tips to assist detectives in identifying those responsible.
According to authorities, 13 women and five men were shot, aged 21 to 32, and the dead include two men and two women.
Snelling said police are determined to find their motive, “clearly there was some target in some way,” Snelling said, “This wasn’t random shooting.”
Chicago medical examiners identified the victims who died as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, Taylor Walker, 26, and Aviance King, 27. The police immediately transported the shot victims to hospitals. “At least three people were critically injured.” As per police reports on Thursday.
Videos circulating on social media show many people waiting and crying outside the hospital. Another image captured the scene, revealing numerous ambulances and police vehicles present following the shooting.