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CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago authorities have reported a troubling incident involving seven teenagers, aged 13 to 17, who were shot in the Loop on Friday evening. In a separate nearby event, another teen was killed and a man was injured, according to officials.
City leaders and residents eager to enjoy downtown holiday festivities are now voicing their concerns.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson indicated that the city had been on alert for potential “teen takeovers” in the downtown area after a social media post surfaced a few days earlier.
The shootings coincided with a bustling night downtown, as the city hosted its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The initial shooting occurred just before 10 p.m., mere steps from ABC7’s State Street studios, with ABC7 teams on the scene hearing the gunfire.
Police said they spotted a large group on the sidewalk in the 100 block of North State Street when shots rang out, and the group scattered.
The chaotic scene played out in front of the Chicago Theater. Bystanders were also taking cover.
Most of victims were listed in good condition, and they were expected to recover, police said.
About an hour later, Chicago police said they responded to a shooting near Dearborn and Monroe. Officers said two people were shot around 10:40 p.m. in the 100 block of South Dearborn Street.
One of the male victims was taken to Northwestern Hospital and later died. Their identity was not yet known. The second victim is an 18-year-old man who was shot in the leg and was listed in serious condition, CPD said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke on the shootings during an event Saturday morning, saying the victim who died in the second shooting was a 14-year-old.
The mayor also said five weapons were recovered by police and 18 people were arrested Friday night. CPD said no suspects related to the shootings are in custody.
Chicago police said the following victims were shot in the State Street incident:
-A 14-year-old boy sustained a gunshot graze wound to the stomach and is listed in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
-A 15-year-old boy sustained a gunshot graze wound to the left thigh and is listed in good condition at Stroger hospital.
-A 17-year-old boy sustained a gunshot graze wound to the left thigh and is listed in good condition at Stroger hospital.
-A 14-year-old girl sustained a gunshot wound to the right hip and is listed in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
-A 16-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is listed in good condition at Northwestern hospital.
-A 14-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is listed in good condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
-A 13-year-old girl sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is listed in fair condition at Lurie Children’s hospital.
Police have not said if the two shootings are connected. So far, no one is custody in either shooting.
Alderman Brian Hopkins of the 2nd Ward posted the following to social media late Friday:
“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 hospitalized.”
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