Violence erupted during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Chicago last night, leaving seven teenagers wounded by gunfire and multiple police officers injured in coordinated attacks.
Chaos Erupts in Downtown Chicago
The incident occurred in Chicago's bustling Loop district around 9:50pm on Saturday night, mere hours after the city's official Christmas light ceremony had taken place in nearby Millennium Park. According to Chicago Police Department reports, the victims ranged in age from 13 to 17 years old and were shot near the intersection of State and Randolph streets.
Alderman Hopkins, representing the second ward district, revealed that approximately 300 young people stormed the free community event, quickly escalating into violent riots. He confirmed that multiple police officers were attacked with mace and stun guns during the chaos, with at least one officer requiring hospital treatment.
Victims and Witness Accounts
The youngest victim was identified as a 13-year-old girl who sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and is currently listed in fair condition. Another female victim, aged 14, was shot in the hip. The remaining victims were all male teenagers who suffered either leg wounds or graze injuries, with all reported to be in good condition.
Courtney Spinelli, a reporter with WGNNews, described how officers observed a large group gathering on the streets before hearing gunshots erupt near the historic Chicago Theatre.
Witness Linda Dixon was leaving the theatre when the violence broke out. "We're coming out of the theatre, and everybody just start running," she told CBS. "We almost got knocked in the street, because everyone was running that way from down here. It is very disheartening to see this, you know? Holiday time, everybody wants to celebrate and enjoy the evening, and something like this happens."
Second Shooting Follows Initial Violence
Just thirty minutes after the initial shooting, a second violent incident occurred nearby at Adams and Dearborn streets. An 18-year-old man was seriously injured with a gunshot wound to his leg. Tragically, a second male victim from this incident died in hospital after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
Alderman Hopkins took to social media platform X to provide real-time updates during the crisis, stating: "300 juveniles rioting in the Loop now, at least 5 victims shot, one critical with life threatening gunshot wound to torso. Multiple police officers attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, at least one PO hospitalised."
The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety during seasonal community events in major urban centres, with local authorities launching full investigations into both shooting incidents.
