A festive evening celebrating the start of the holiday season in downtown Chicago turned into chaos and violence Friday night, Nov. 21, when two separate shootings injured at least six people.
The unfortunate incidents took place hours after the city’s official Christmas tree was lit in Millennium Park.
The events took place near the Chicago Theater and at Adams and Dearborn streets around 22:00 (local time), sent panicked crowds into the fray and drew a massive police response.
According to Councilor Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward), the violence unfolded amid a large group of about 300 youths who were “rioting” in the area.
The number of victims was confirmed by Chicago Police Department spokesman Tom Ahern, who said all six people are believed to be teenagers or young adults.
The first incident occurred near State and Randolph streets around 21:50 (local time), and the second followed about 30 minutes later near Adams Dearborn.
Alderman Hopkins stated in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter): “300 youth rioting in Loop now, at least 5 victims shot, one critical with life-threatening gunshot wound to upper body. Several police officers attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, at least one PO hospitalized.”
The violence marred an otherwise busy and cheerful night downtown, which had drawn a large cross for the annual Christmas tree lighting and the opening of the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, which had closed at 21.00
It is the second year in a row that the holiday weekend has been marked by violence.
On November 23, 2024, a woman was injured in a shooting outside the Macy’s on State Street after the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
At this time, no arrests have been made and the investigation into the incidents remains ongoing.
