Downtown Chaos: A Night of Gunfire and Teen Violence

A night of celebration turned into a scene of panic and violence in downtown Chicago.

After the Christmas tree lighting in Millennium Park, gunshots rang out near the Chicago Theater.

Seven Teenagers Injured

• Injuries ranged from leg wounds to grazes on stomachs and thighs.
• None of the injuries were life-threatening.

The shooting happened right outside a news office.

• Staff heard the gunfire and saw people running for their lives.
• Video footage showed dozens fleeing the area.

More Violence Follows

Less than an hour later, two more teenagers were shot just blocks away.

• One victim, an 18-year-old, did not survive.
• The other was seriously hurt and taken to the hospital.

A Pattern of Violence

This wasn't the first time such violence had erupted during a "teen takeover."

• Earlier this year, a 15-year-old was grazed by a bullet.
• A tourist was hit by a stray bullet during another teen gathering.

City Officials Struggle to Find Solutions

• Alderman Brian Hopkins pushed for a "snap curfew" bill.
• The mayor vetoed the measure, and attempts to override the veto failed.

The question remains: what can be done to prevent these violent incidents from happening again?