Seven teenagers, one as young as thirteen, were shot following a disturbance at a Christmas tree lighting event in the United States. The incident occurred in Chicago’s Loop shortly after the city’s official Christmas light ceremony at Millennium Park. The shooting took place at the intersection of State and Randolph streets around 9:50 pm, as confirmed by the Chicago Police Department. Alderman Hopkins, representing the second ward district, reported that multiple police officers were also attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, resulting in at least one officer being hospitalized.
Approximately 300 young individuals reportedly stormed the free event, with around five victims being shot, one critically injured with a life-threatening gunshot wound. According to Courtney Spinelli, a WGNNews reporter, a large group appeared on the streets, followed by gunshots near the Chicago Theatre. The youngest victim, a 13-year-old girl, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is in stable condition. Another female victim, aged 14, was shot in the hip. The remaining victims, all boys, suffered leg wounds or grazes and are reported to be in good condition.
Eyewitness Linda Dixon described the chaotic scene as she was leaving the Chicago Theatre, with people running and the police arriving. She expressed sadness over the unexpected violence during the holiday season, a time meant for celebration and enjoyment.
Following the initial shooting, another incident occurred half an hour later 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 at the hospital.