At least 12 people gathered on a Chicago street suffered gunshot wounds after an SUV pulled up and two occupants opened fire into the crowd, police said. The shooting occurred late Friday in a South Side neighborhood, leaving two male victims in critical condition as authorities launched an active investigation.
Background
The violence erupted during Juneteenth celebrations, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Earlier that day, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed visitors to his presidential center on the South Side. The shooting shattered what should have been a day of celebration for the community.
"It should be celebrating," Pastor Donovan Price, a local advocate for gun crime victims, told CBS News. "Fireworks should not turn into gunshots."
Chicago police reported at least 21 people shot across the city since Friday evening, resulting in four deaths. The surge in violence cast a dark shadow over the holiday observance.
The Investigation
According to police, officers initially responded to a call of one person shot and discovered a woman with two gunshot wounds to her back along with a man who had sustained four graze wounds to his back. Both victims were listed in fair condition at area hospitals.
The SUV fled the scene following the shooting. Among the 12 wounded, eight men and four women ranging in age from 17 to 47 were being treated at four different hospitals. One victim suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and was among those in critical condition. Another male victim sustained unknown injuries but refused medical treatment.
Detectives with the Chicago Police Department are actively investigating the incident. Authorities have not released information regarding potential suspects or a motive, and no arrests had been made as of early Saturday morning.
Key Takeaways
- At least 12 people suffered gunshot wounds when an SUV pulled up and two occupants fired into a crowd on Chicago's South Side
- Two male victims remain in critical condition; one has a gunshot wound to the thigh
- The eight men and four women wounded range in age from 17 to 47
- Shooting occurred late Friday during Juneteenth celebrations, hours after Barack Obama opened his presidential center nearby
- Chicago police reported 21 total people shot across the city since Friday evening with four deaths
- No suspects have been arrested; investigation is ongoing
What's Next
Chicago Police detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the fleeing SUV to contact law enforcement. The Chicago Police Department has not indicated whether there is an ongoing threat to the community, but extra patrols have been deployed to the area as a precaution.