CHICAGO – Four people were killed and at least 14 others sustained injuries in a mass shooting late Wednesday night in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The incident, described by police as a “cowardly act” and a targeted attack, occurred outside the Artis Restaurant and Lounge as attendees were departing an album release party.
The violent episode unfolded around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue. According to authorities, a dark vehicle drove past the building, and three individuals inside opened fire into the crowd gathered on the sidewalk. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that 18 people were shot in a matter of seconds during the rapid assault.
The Attack Unfolds
The chaotic scene developed as patrons were leaving an event celebrating rapper Mello Buckzz’s latest album. Witness accounts and initial police findings indicate the suspects’ vehicle approached the location, and occupants inside fired multiple rounds indiscriminately into the group of people outside the venue. The intensity and speed of the gunfire underscored the ambush nature of the attack, leaving no time for those targeted to seek adequate cover.
Investigators at the scene reported recovering shell casings from two different calibers, suggesting the use of multiple firearms by the perpetrators. This detail is crucial for the forensic examination and could provide leads regarding the weapons used in the attack.
Victims Identified
The toll of the shooting is significant, with four fatalities and fourteen wounded. The victims range in age from 21 to 32 years old. Among the 18 individuals shot, 13 were women and five were men. The deceased include two men and two women.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified two of the men killed as 25-year-old Leon Andrew Henry and 23-year-old Devonte Terrell Williamson. One of the women who died was identified by her sister as Aviance King. The identities of the other deceased woman and the injured have not been fully released publicly.
Of the fourteen individuals wounded, at least three are reported to be in critical condition. The injured were transported to various hospitals across the city for treatment, including Illinois Masonic Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Stroger Hospital, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Investigation Underway
Superintendent Snelling, speaking to the press following the incident, condemned the violence and labeled it a targeted attack, though he did not immediately specify who or what was targeted. He reiterated that the shooting was a “cowardly act,” highlighting the apparent intent to inflict mass casualties on unsuspecting individuals.
Police stated that the vehicle involved in the drive-by fled the scene immediately after the shooting. As of Thursday morning, no suspects have been taken into custody. Authorities are actively investigating the motive and seeking information about the vehicle and its occupants. Police are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, offering avenues for providing anonymous tips to aid in the apprehension of those responsible.
Community and Official Response
The shooting sent shockwaves through the community and city officials. Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the tragedy, describing it as a “difficult day for our city.” He extended his condolences to the victims and their families and assured residents that law enforcement agencies have comprehensive plans in place to mitigate violence throughout the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, a period historically associated with an increase in gun-related incidents.
Mayor Johnson also emphasized that this isolated, horrific incident does not define the city of Chicago, acknowledging the pain it has caused while seeking to reaffirm the city’s resilience.
The Artis Restaurant and Lounge, which is owned by members of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, issued a statement via Instagram expressing their sorrow. They highlighted that the establishment was founded with the intention of being a safe space for patrons and that the shooting profoundly and painfully disrupted that mission.
Authorities continue their intensive investigation into the attack, analyzing evidence from the scene and seeking potential surveillance footage or witness accounts that could lead to identifying and capturing the perpetrators of this deadly drive-by shooting.
