Seven teenagers, one as young as thirteen, were shot after a disturbance at a Christmas tree lighting event in the United States. The incident occurred in Chicago’s Loop following the city’s official Christmas light ceremony at Millennium Park. The teenagers, aged between 13 and 17, were shot around 9:50 pm near State and Randolph streets, according to the Chicago Police Department. Alderman Hopkins of the second ward reported that multiple police officers were attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, with at least one officer hospitalized.
Approximately 300 young individuals reportedly disrupted the free event, with Hopkins noting the chaos on social media. Courtney Spinelli, a WGNNews reporter, mentioned that a large group appeared on the streets and gunshots were heard near the Chicago Theatre. The victims included a 13-year-old girl shot in the leg, currently in fair condition, and a 14-year-old girl shot in the hip. The other victims, all boys, sustained leg or graze wounds and are reported to be in good condition.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with Linda Dixon recounting the rush of people fleeing the area. Another shooting occurred half an hour later near Adams and Dearborn streets, where an 18-year-old man was seriously injured in the leg, and another male victim died in the hospital from multiple gunshot wounds.