Seven teenagers, with the youngest being only thirteen years old, were shot following a disturbance that erupted after a Christmas tree lighting event in the United States. The incident occurred in Chicago’s Loop shortly after the official Christmas light ceremony at Millennium Park. The teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, were shot around 9:50 pm near the State and Randolph streets intersection, as reported by the Chicago Police Department. Alderman Hopkins, representing the second ward district, mentioned that multiple police officers were also assaulted and injured using mace and stun guns, resulting in at least one officer being hospitalized.
Around 300 young individuals reportedly stormed the free event, with five victims shot, one critically injured with a life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso. Among the victims, a 13-year-old girl was shot in the leg and is in fair condition, while a 14-year-old girl was shot in the hip. The other victims, all boys, sustained leg gunshot wounds or graze wounds and are in good condition.
Eyewitness Courtney Spinelli from WGNNews stated that a large group appeared on the streets, followed by gunshots near the Chicago Theatre. She confirmed the ages and conditions of the victims. Linda Dixon, another witness, described the chaotic scene outside the theatre as people started running after the incident, expressing disappointment at such violence during the holiday season.
Shortly after the first shooting, another incident occurred near Adams and Dearborn streets, where an 18-year-old man was shot in the leg and left seriously injured. Tragically, another male victim succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in the hospital.