Tragedy in River North: Four Dead, 14 Injured in Targeted Drive-By Shooting Outside Artis Restaurant

Tragedy Strikes Chicago as Mass Shooting Leaves Four Dead

In a devastating incident on Wednesday night, a drive-by shooting outside the Artis Restaurant and Lounge in Chicago’s River North area resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left at least 14 others injured. The chaos unfolded around 11 p.m. as a dark vehicle passed by the establishment located on West Chicago Avenue, where three men inside opened fire into a group of people who were exiting the venue after an album release party for rapper Mello Buckzz.

Victims and Casualties

The victims range in age from 21 to 32, with four sustaining life-threatening injuries. Those wounded were transported to various hospitals, with two victims taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital, another two to Mt. Sinai Hospital, three to Stroger Hospital, and six to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Authorities later confirmed that two of the deceased victims at Stroger Hospital were identified as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23. Additionally, a 26-year-old woman and a 27-year-old woman, both shot in the chest, were pronounced dead after being taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Henry’s grandmother expressed her shock as she was unaware of his plans to attend the release party, and now grapples with the pain of losing her grandson. Another individual, Shaniah Battle, revealed that one of the deceased women was her sister, Aviance King.

Targeted Attack

The incident has been classified by police as a targeted assault, with several victims close to Mello Buckzz. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated, “They didn’t care who was struck, and in a matter of seconds, they managed to shoot 18 people.” Investigators found evidence suggesting that a rifle may have been used, based on different calibers of shell casings collected at the scene.

Mayor Brandon Johnson assured the public that law enforcement is taking proactive measures to prevent further violence. He highlighted the importance of coordination with both local and federal agencies, stressing their commitment to ensuring safety in the community and mitigating any potential retaliation related to the shooting.

Community Shock and Response

The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with Mello Buckzz sharing heartfelt tributes on social media to honor those lost, including emotional messages for her late boyfriend, Williamson, stating, “my handsomeeee man.” Furthermore, the Artis Lounge released a statement expressing their sorrow and reaffirming their commitment to being a safe space for the community.

As authorities continue their investigation, the city has mandated the temporary closure of Artis Lounge while examining the venue. No arrests have been made, but police believe that three shooters were involved in this heinous act.

City’s Ongoing Battle with Gun Violence

This tragic event is not an isolated incident. Just hours later, another shooting occurred in the Riverdale neighborhood, injuring four individuals. Mayor Johnson has called on community members to assist the police with information regarding both shootings, asserting that “we will not rest until there is full accountability.”

Alderman has called for the permanent closure of the lounge where the mass shooting took place, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action in addressing the ongoing gun violence in Chicago.