CHICAGO, IL – A tragic incident unfolded in Chicago on Saturday evening as a family gathering was disrupted by a shooting, resulting in the death of a 7-year-old child and injuries to seven others.
The Chicago Police Department, led by Deputy Chief Don Jerome, responded to an alert indicating 18 rounds of gunfire in the vicinity of 52nd Street, west of Damen Avenue, around 9:30 p.m. This alert directed officers to a location in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims of the shooting on the block. Jerome stated that immediate life-saving measures were administered, including the application of tourniquets and chest seals.
The shooting, which occurred during a family gathering, was characterized by the police as “likely gang-related”. It claimed the life of a 7-year-old girl and left seven others, including children and adults, injured.
In total, eight individuals were shot, comprising three children and five adults. The 7-year-old girl, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 1-year-old boy and another 7-year-old boy were critically injured and rushed to the hospital. The adult victims, ranging in age from 19 to 40, were transported to local hospitals by the Chicago Fire Department.
Jerome emphasized that the shooting was not a random act of violence and was likely gang-related. He expressed deep regret over the incident, particularly the harm inflicted on the innocent children, and thanked the Chicago Fire Department for their assistance at the scene.
As of early Sunday morning, no suspects have been apprehended. Witnesses reported to the police that they believe there were two shooters, both on foot. The Chicago Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about the shooting or the suspects to contact their Area One detectives or their local police department.