Two teenagers shot and wounded, 15 arrested in loop brawl

Two teenagers were shot dead on Saturday night as hundreds of young people crisscrossed downtown streets.

The 16- and 17-year-old boys were shot in a large, unruly crowd on the 100th block of East Washington Street around 9 p.m., according to Chicago police.

Police say the second son was shot in the right arm and the other in the left leg.

Both were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and listed in good condition, police said. Officials on Sunday declined to provide further information about the crowd and whether anyone else was injured.

Nine adults and six teenagers were arrested in connection with the brawl. Most were charged with reckless conduct, police said.

Police recovered a gun and arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of illegal use of a weapon, and another adult and teenager on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle.

No one has been arrested in connection with the teens’ shooting.

Several videos posted on social media showed a teenager breaking into a car and setting it on fire.

Another video showed a teenager climbing and jumping on the roof of a CTA bus. Yet another video shows people kicking passing cars and dancing on top of parked cars.

The CTA reported that some train lines were disrupted as police rushed into the area to control crowds.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the act “reckless, disrespectful and illegal.” But she said many people are there to have a good time and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather.

“Like I’ve said before, we as a city cannot and will not allow our public spaces to become platforms for criminal activity,” Mayor Lightfoot said in a statement. Most importantly, parents and guardians must know where their children are and take responsibility for their actions. , must start at home.”

She has been in touch with CPD executives and assured her that they will “make the necessary adjustments to address these teen trend issues heading into the summer.”

In a statement, incoming mayor Brandon Johnson does not condone the “disruptive activity” taking place downtown, but demonizes young people he says are hungry for opportunity in their communities. He said it would not be constructive to do so.

Activists concerned about community safety gathered on Sunday to urge the Chicago Police Department to step up patrols downtown.

Activist and U.S. Postal Service worker Patrick Gibbons said, “Downtown was a beautiful place. I wanted to take a walk downtown, but now I’m so scared.” , people will leave Chicago.”

State Rep. Kam Buckner, who recently ran for mayor, responded to the chaotic night on Twitter. He said that “anyone with a heart” would be “disgusted, upset and pissed” at what happened over the weekend.

Buckner said developing a plan would require having difficult conversations with city leaders, and accused him of being silent for now.

“This administration appears to be in the ‘old age’ stage, but let’s be clear, they still have responsibilities. Don’t add to the legacy of lethargic leadership by leaving a strong note. Something. Say, do something,” he said.

In a statement, the Chicago Loop Alliance said it was “sad” over Saturday night’s events.

“We want to work together as a community to find solutions that benefit Loop businesses, visitors and residents.

On Friday, a 14-year-old boy was injured in the shooting of another large group of teens who had gathered on the beach on 31st Street.The shooting occurred around 8:50 pm 3100 blocks on South Lake Shore Drive, according to the police. The boy suffered a gunshot wound to his left thigh and was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition.

A 17-year-old boy on the beach was arrested and charged with four felonies, including illegal use of a weapon, possession of a stolen gun and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said.