Drive-By Shooting in Chicago Leaves Four Dead

A tragic incident unfolded late Wednesday outside a riverside restaurant in Chicago, resulting in the death of four individuals and leaving 18 others injured. Authorities confirmed the shootings the following day.

The violence erupted after an album release party for rapper Melo Backts at Artis Restaurant and Lounge. According to the police, gunfire erupted from a speeding vehicle that targeted a crowd gathered outside the venue.

During a press conference, Chicago Police Principal Larry Snelling remarked, “In a matter of seconds, they were able to shoot 18 people and take the lives of four.” He noted that such acts have become commonplace and described the scene as a reflection of troubling societal behavior.

Investigators believe the shootings were intentional rather than random, although the specific motives remain unclear. They found evidence suggesting the involvement of multiple shooters, as two different types of shell casings were recovered at the crime scene.

The victims included 13 women and five men, aged between 21 and 32. Among those deceased were 25-year-old Leon Andrew Henry and 23-year-old Devonte Terrell Williamson. The identities of the two female victims have not yet been confirmed as of Thursday.

Authorities reported that at least three individuals remain in critical condition. The perpetrating vehicle fled the scene immediately, and no arrests have been made as of Friday.

Following the shooting, the restaurant issued a statement expressing its commitment to being a safe space for marginalized communities, noting, “What happened last night disrupts it in the most painful way.” The establishment was temporarily closed in the aftermath.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the incident during a Thursday press conference, stating, “Today is certainly a difficult day for our city.”