Mass shooting outside Chicago nightclub leaves 4 dead, 14 injured

A devastating mass shooting late Wednesday night outside Artis Lounge, a nightclub in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, resulted in the deaths of four people and left at least 14 others injured. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. local time on the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue as a crowd was gathered outside the venue, which had reportedly just hosted an album release party for rapper Mello Buckzz.

According to Chicago police and eyewitness accounts, a vehicle drove past the club, and at least one occupant opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd. The suspect(s) fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Police have confirmed the fatalities include two men, aged 24 and 25, and two women whose identities have not yet been released. Among the 14 injured victims, many in their 20s and 30s, were rushed to nearby hospitals, with authorities indicating at least four are in critical condition.

As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made, and investigators are actively searching for the perpetrator(s). Law enforcement officials are reviewing surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the events and identify a motive, which remains unclear. The River North area, known for its bustling nightlife, has been left shaken by the violence, prompting residents and city officials to voice renewed concerns over the escalating gun violence in Chicago. This location, previously operating as Hush Lounge, was also the site of a fatal shooting in November 2022, which led to its closure before reopening as Artis Lounge.