Seven teenagers, with the youngest being thirteen, were shot following a disturbance at a Christmas tree lighting event in the United States. The incident occurred in Chicago’s Loop, shortly after the official Christmas light ceremony in Millennium Park. The teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, were shot around 9:50 pm near the intersection of State and Randolph streets, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Alderman Hopkins, representing the district of second ward, mentioned that multiple police officers were also targeted and harmed with mace and stun guns, resulting in at least one officer being hospitalized. Approximately 300 young individuals reportedly caused chaos at the free event. According to Hopkins, the situation involved 300 juveniles rioting in the Loop, with five victims shot, one critically injured with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso.
Courtney Spinelli, a WGNNews reporter, reported that a large group appeared on the streets, followed by gunshots near the Chicago Theatre. The youngest victim, a 13-year-old girl, was shot in the leg and is in fair condition. Another female victim, aged 14, sustained a gunshot wound to the hip. The rest of the victims, all boys, suffered leg gunshot wounds or graze injuries, with all reported to be in good condition.
Witness Linda Dixon described the chaotic scene as she was leaving the Chicago Theatre, stating that everyone started running, causing chaos near the street. A second shooting occurred nearby at Adams and Dearborn streets thirty minutes later, where an 18-year-old man was shot in the leg and seriously injured. Tragically, another male victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the hospital.
The unfortunate events have raised concerns among residents, with many expressing disappointment at the violence disrupting the holiday celebrations.