One killed, eight injured in two Chicago Loop shootings after tree lighting. Trump criticized Mayor Johnson, who vowed increased police presence. Investigations
Chicago's holiday spirit was severely marred by a night of deadly violence late Friday, as two separate shooting incidents in the city's bustling Loop district left one person dead and at least eight teenagers wounded. These tragic events occurred mere hours after the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the nearby Millennium Park.
The first tragic event unfolded around 9:50 PM US local time near State and Randolph streets, in close proximity to the iconic Chicago Theatre. Patrol officers, hearing gunfire erupt into a large crowd on the 100 block of North State Street, responded swiftly. Seven teenagers, ranging in age from 13 to 17, sustained injuries and were transported to Stroger Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital. According to The New York Times, six of the young victims were reported to be in good condition, while one was listed as fair.
A second wave of violence struck shortly thereafter, occurring on the 100 block of South Dearborn Street. This incident tragically claimed the life of one man, who later succumbed to his injuries at Northwestern Hospital. An 18-year-old individual also suffered a serious leg wound in the same event. Witnesses described a scene of utter chaos, with people scrambling for safety. Linda Dixon, who was leaving the Chicago Theatre at the time, recounted the terrifying experience: “We almost got knocked in the street, because everyone was running that way. It is very disheartening… Holiday time, everybody wants to celebrate and enjoy the evening, and something like this happens.” Authorities have confirmed that no suspects are currently in custody, and investigations into both shootings are actively ongoing.
The incidents quickly drew national attention, prompting former US President Donald Trump to issue a statement on Truth Social. Trump alleged “massive crime and rioting in the Chicago Loop area,” and controversially claimed that “multiple police officers” had been “attacked and badly injured.” However, police officials have not corroborated any reports of officer injuries related to these events.
The former president further criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, accusing them of resisting the deployment of the National Guard during previous unrest, which he linked to his administration’s immigration crackdown. It’s worth noting that just last month, Trump had ordered approximately 500 National Guard troops to the vicinity of Chicago, a move that Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker opposed, deeming it an unnecessary militarization of the city.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vehemently condemned the escalating violence, asserting that such incidents “cannot continue” despite an increased police presence. Speaking to CBS News, Mayor Johnson stated, “We have too many guns and too many young people who do not value their lives or the lives of others.” In response to the weekend's events, he announced that an additional 300 officers would be assigned to secure Saturday night’s scheduled holiday parade.
Rich Guidice, a former chief of staff to Mayor Johnson and the ex-head of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, offered a critical perspective. Guidice suggested that the city's efforts were primarily addressing symptoms rather than the underlying root causes of the violence. He emphasized the crucial role of parental accountability, stating, “The parents of these teens must take responsibility. These are young children, under 17 years old.”