Two teenagers were shot Saturday night as hundreds of youths streamed through downtown streets, prompting a heavy police response that resulted in more than a dozen arrests.
The boys, 16 and 17, were among the large unruly crowd about 9 p.m. in the 100 block of East Washington Street when shots were fired, Chicago police said.
The younger boy was shot in the right arm, and the other boy was shot in the left leg, police said.
Both were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where they were listed in fair condition, according to police. Authorities on Sunday declined to provide any more information about the crowd and whether any one else was wounded.
Nine adults and six teenagers were arrested in connection with the melee. Most were charged with reckless conduct, police said.
Police recovered a gun and arrested a 16-year-old on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon, and another adult and teen were arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen vehicle.
None of the arrests were made in connection with the shooting of the teens.
Several videos posted on social media showed teenagers breaking into vehicles and setting them on fire.
pic.twitter.com/3zCtA1pRCk https://t.co/2IV5vJORl9
— Emjay Phan (@heyFATabbot) April 16, 2023
Another video showed teens climbing and jumping on the roof of a CTA bus, and yet another showed people kicking passing cars and dancing on top of parked cars.
The CTA reported disruptions to several train lines as police flooded the area to control the crowds.
Large Group fo Teens fighting and shooting downtown Chicago Michigan & Madison Large fight broke out, and 1 gunshot heard. CPD chased the suspect, when more shots heard in the alley. #ChitownCrimeChasershttps://t.co/luySkrRN35 pic.twitter.com/XyVUQkNxIQ
— SubX.News (@SubxNews) April 16, 2023
Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the behavior “reckless, disrespectful and unlawful.” But she said that many were there to have a good time and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather.
“As I have said before, we as a city cannot and will not allow any of our public spaces to become a platform for criminal conduct,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Most importantly, parents and guardians must know where their children are and be responsible for their actions. Instilling the important values of respect for people and property must begin at home.”
She said she has been in communication with CPD leadership and they have assured her “that they will make the necessary adjustments to address these teen trends issues as we move into the summer months.”
A view of what’s happening in downtown #Chicago tonight
— 16th & 17th District Chicago Police Scanner (@CPD1617Scanner) April 16, 2023
pic.twitter.com/7nD1dHQtjK
In a statement, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said that though he does not condone the “destructive activity” that took place downtown, it was not constructive to demonize youth who he said have been starved of opportunities in their own communities.
Activists concerned about the safety of their communities gathered Sunday to ask Chicago police to increase patrols downtown.
“Downtown used to be a beautiful place, you used to want to take a walk downtown, but now it’s so scary,” activist and U.S. Postal Service worker Patrick Gibbons said. “It needs to get better, otherwise people will leave Chicago.”
State Rep. Kam Buckner, who recently ran for mayor, reacted to the chaotic night on Twitter. He said “anyone with a heart” will look at what happened over the weekend “and feel disgusted, upset and pissed off.”
Buckner said difficult conversations need to be had with city leadership to come up with a plan and accused them of being silent so far.
“It’s seems that this administration is in its ‘senioritis’ stage, but to be clear — they are still in charge. Please, leave on a strong note and don’t add to your legacy of lethargic leadership. Say something, do something,” he said.
In a statement, the Chicago Loop Alliance said it was “saddened” by the events Saturday night.
“We hope to work together as a community to find a solution that benefits Loop businesses, visitors and residents while remaining everyone’s neighborhood.”
On Friday, a 14-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting after another large group of teens gathered at 31st Street Beach. The shooting occurred about 8:50 p.m. in the 3100 block of South Lake Shore Drive, according to police. The boy suffered a gunshot wound to his left thigh and was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in fair condition.
According to police, a 17-year-old boy who was at the beach was arrested and charged with four felony counts, including unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen gun and possession of drug paraphernalia.
