CHICAGO — What was meant to be a festive evening in downtown Chicago turned dangerous late Friday night, as at least five people were shot following a mass gathering for the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, according to local officials. Alderman Brian Hopkins claimed that 300 juveniles began “rioting” in the Loop, and multiple police officers were attacked.
The first shooting was reported around 9:50 p.m. near State and Randolph streets, close to the Chicago Theatre, amid a large crowd of teens and young people. Seven teenagers, ranging in age from 13 to 17, suffered gunshot wounds in that incident; some were lightly injured while others sustained more serious injuries.
Less than an hour later, a second shooting occurred in the 100 block of South Dearborn Street. Two men were struck — one, an 18-year-old, was hospitalized with a leg injury; the other was pronounced dead after being taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Hopkins posted on X that one of the victims sustained a “life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso.” He also accused rioters of assaulting responding officers with mace and stun guns, saying at least one officer was hospitalized.
Mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the fatality during a public appearance Saturday morning, identifying the victim as a 14-year-old, according to ABC7.
Authorities say the chaos may be tied in part to the large crowd and presence of many unsupervised youths downtown for the holiday events — including the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.
Chicago Police are investigating both shootings. Cook County Crime Stoppers has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests.
