CHICAGO, IL — A horrifying mass shooting late Wednesday night has left four people dead and 14 others injured outside the Artis Lounge nightclub in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The gunfire erupted around 11:00 p.m. in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, marking one of the deadliest shootings in the city this year.
According to Chicago police, a dark-colored SUV drove past the crowded venue and three occupants inside opened fire indiscriminately into a crowd gathered outside. The victims had reportedly been attending an album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz, who later issued a statement expressing heartbreak and condolences to all those impacted.
Victims and Casualties
Among the four confirmed fatalities:
Two men, aged 24 and 25
Two women, including one identified by friends as Taylor, also known as “Tay Tay”, and another as Avi Drexler, both of whom were active in Chicago’s local music and creative community
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released the identities of the remaining deceased victims, pending family notifications.
Fourteen others were wounded, ranging in age from 21 to 32 years old. Of those injured, eight were reported to be in good condition with non-life-threatening injuries, including:
A 29-year-old woman shot in the shin
A 29-year-old man shot in the thigh
A 31-year-old woman shot in the knee
A 25-year-old man shot in the hand and thigh
A 25-year-old woman shot in the thigh
A 30-year-old woman shot in the hand
A 29-year-old man shot in the forearm
A 27-year-old woman shot in the foot
At least four others were critically injured and remain hospitalized as emergency medical teams continue to work around the clock.
Chaos and Grief
Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as pure chaos, with people screaming, running for cover, and desperately searching for loved ones.
“The worst I’ve ever seen,” one witness told reporters. “People were frantically searching for their friends, trying to figure out who was alive. Phones and keys were dropped during the chaos — people couldn’t even call for help.”
Rapper Mello Buckzz, whose event had just concluded prior to the shooting, released a statement on social media:
“I’m devastated by what happened outside my event. My heart goes out to the families who lost someone and to everyone recovering right now. This should have been a celebration — not a tragedy.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Thursday, no arrests have been made. The Chicago Police Department has launched an extensive investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses in an effort to identify and apprehend the three suspects believed to be involved in the shooting.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, either by contacting the Chicago Police Department or submitting an anonymous tip via CPD’s tip line.
“This kind of violence is senseless and tragic,” said a police spokesperson. “We are working around the clock to bring justice to the victims and their families.”
A City in Mourning
The mass shooting outside Artis Lounge has cast a somber shadow over Chicago’s summer nightlife, especially in River North — an area known for its vibrant music and arts scene. The community is now mourning the lives lost and grappling with the trauma left behind.
As the investigation continues, community leaders and local officials are once again calling for action to address gun violence, which despite recent decreases in crime rates, continues to claim lives at an alarming rate.
