Chicago is once again mourning after two separate shootings late Friday night in the Loop left at least six people wounded, just hours after the city’s official Christmas tree lighting in Millennium Park. The incidents occurred during a busy evening in downtown Chicago, as large crowds had gathered for holiday festivities, including the first night of the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza.
According to Chicago Police Department spokesman Tom Ahern, the first shooting occurred around 9:50 p.m. near the intersection of State and Randolph streets, close to the Chicago Theatre. The second took place approximately 30 minutes later near Adams and Dearborn streets. Preliminary reports indicate that at least four of the victims were wounded in the initial shooting, though conditions for all victims have not been fully confirmed.
Witnesses reported chaos as pedestrians fled the scenes. Linda Dixon, who was leaving the Chicago Theatre with a group, described the sudden panic: “We’re coming out of the theater, and everybody just started running. We almost got knocked into the street. It’s very disheartening to see this… holiday time, everybody wants to celebrate and enjoy the evening, and something like this happens.” Another witness, Moe Akl, recounted hearing at least four gunshots near CBS News Chicago, prompting him and others to take cover.
Authorities believe the victims were teenagers or young adults. Police officers were observed urging other youths in the area to leave downtown for safety. Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd) noted on social media that multiple officers were assaulted with mace and stun devices during the incidents, with at least one officer requiring hospital care. He added that one of the shooting victims was in critical condition, suffering a life-threatening gunshot wound to the torso.
These shootings follow a troubling pattern, as last year on November 23, 2024, another shooting occurred during Christkindlmarket’s opening weekend. A 19-year-old woman was shot near State and Washington streets while walking on the sidewalk, highlighting recurring safety concerns during large public gatherings in the downtown area.
As the city continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. In the midst of grief and fear, the Chicago community remains resilient, committed to supporting victims and their families while striving for safer streets during the holiday season and beyond.