CHICAGO, IL – A family gathering in Chicago was marred by violence on Saturday evening when a shooting broke out, leading to the death of a 7-year-old child and injuries to seven other individuals.
Deputy Chief Don Jerome of the Chicago Police Department reported that officers were alerted to 18 gunshots in the area of 52nd Street, just west of Damen Avenue, around 9:30 p.m. The alert led officers to the Back of the Yards neighborhood.
Once on the scene, officers found several shooting victims and immediately began administering life-saving measures, including the use of tourniquets and chest seals.
The police have described the incident, which occurred during a family gathering, as “likely gang-related”. The shooting claimed the life of a 7-year-old girl and left seven others, including both children and adults, injured.
The total count of victims was eight, three of whom were children and five were adults. The 7-year-old girl, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head, was declared dead at the scene. Two other children, a 1-year-old boy and another 7-year-old boy, were critically injured and taken to the hospital. The adult victims, aged between 19 and 40, were transported to local hospitals by the Chicago Fire Department.
Jerome reiterated that the shooting was not a random act of violence and was likely gang-related. He expressed sorrow over the incident, especially the harm done to the innocent children, and expressed gratitude to the Chicago Fire Department for their assistance at the scene.
As of early Sunday morning, the police have not yet apprehended any suspects. Witnesses have informed the police that they believe there were two shooters, both on foot. The Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting or the suspects to get in touch with their Area One detectives or their local police department.