On a tragic Friday night in downtown Chicago, a 14-year-old boy lost his life, and eight others sustained injuries in two separate shooting incidents. According to the Chicago police, the first shooting occurred around 10:40 p.m. in the 100 block of South Dearborn Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims who had been struck by gunfire.
The younger victim, a male aged 14, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The second victim, an 18-year-old male, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to the hospital in serious condition. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
Less than an hour before the fatal shooting, at approximately 9:50 p.m., police officers on patrol in the 100 block of North State Street noticed a large crowd gathered near the Chicago Theater. Suddenly, gunshots rang out, causing the crowd to disperse in panic. Officers quickly responded to the scene and found that seven individuals had sustained gunshot wounds due to the gunfire.
The Chicago Fire Department promptly treated the seven victims, who were then transported to local hospitals for further medical care. Reports indicate that six of the victims are in good condition, while one is in fair condition as of Saturday morning. The quick response from the authorities likely prevented further casualties.
As of now, there are no suspects in custody for either of the shootings, according to the Chicago police. The tragic events occurred during a particularly bustling night in downtown Chicago, coinciding with the city's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which drew large crowds to the area. Detectives are actively investigating the motives behind these shootings and are working to uncover more details about the incidents.
The community is left in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of this violence. Local leaders and law enforcement officials are calling for increased vigilance and support for those affected. ABC News' Ahmad Hemingway contributed to this report, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.