CHICAGO – A late-night drive-by shooting outside a restaurant and lounge in Chicago’s bustling River North neighborhood on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, resulted in the deaths of at least four people and left 14 others wounded. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. at 311 W. Chicago Ave, outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, as individuals were dispersing from an album release party.
The gathering was held for Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz, whose birth name is Melanie Doyle and is 24 years old. Police reports indicate that shots were fired from at least one person inside a dark-colored vehicle that drove past the venue. The vehicle then sped away from the scene.
Casualties and Condition
The four individuals confirmed deceased include two men, aged 24 and 25, and two women, aged 26 and 27. The fourteen wounded victims sustained injuries varying in severity, with their ages ranging from 21 to 32 years old. At least three of the injured are reported to be in critical condition as of the latest updates.
In the immediate aftermath, emergency services transported victims to multiple hospitals across the city for urgent medical treatment.
Scene of “Absolute Chaos”
Street pastor Donovan Price, who was present at the scene shortly after the shooting, described the situation as “absolute chaos.” He characterized the event as “the worst I’ve seen,” underscoring the profound impact and disorganization that followed the sudden burst of violence.
The artist, Mello Buckzz, publicly confirmed via social media that among those killed were her boyfriend and her best friend, adding a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy and highlighting the devastating loss experienced by individuals connected to the event.
The Venue: Artis Restaurant and Lounge
Artis Restaurant and Lounge is described as a Black and LGBTQ-owned Creole restaurant. It opened its doors in April with the stated intention of providing a safe and inclusive space for various communities in the city’s River North area. The shooting occurring outside a venue aiming to be a sanctuary has added another layer of complexity to the incident’s impact on the local community.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Thursday, July 3, 2025, authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting. The Chicago Police Department is actively investigating the incident, seeking to identify the vehicle, the shooter(s), and the motive behind the attack.
Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage from the area, interview witnesses, and gather forensic evidence from the scene as they work to piece together the events of the night and apprehend those responsible. The scale of casualties and the nature of the attack have drawn significant attention, raising concerns about gun violence in urban centers.
