Fifteen people were shot at a Halloween celebration in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood.
According to NBC Chicago, the suspected shooter was arrested Oct. 29 after allegedly shooting the victims just after 1 a.m. on the 1200 block of South Pulaski Road, police said. The suspect has not been identified nor have any charges been filed. The investigation is ongoing.
There were approximately 100 people at the party.
Police said the suspect was thrown out of the party and returned several minutes later with a gun and started firing.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement.
Early this morning, there was an alleged act of retaliation at a Halloween party in the North Lawndale community that left 15 people injured. Initial reports indicate that the suspect was asked to leave the gathering before returning and senselessly opening fire.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) October 29, 2023
Chicago police responded to the shooting and with the assistance of those in attendance, quickly apprehended the offender. As with all acts of gun violence in our city, my heart is with the victims, families and communities impacted.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) October 29, 2023
The Chicago Police Department said after receiving a call of shots fired officers apprehended the alleged shooter “short distance away” from the scene. Police officers retrieved a weapon and placed him in custody.
The shooting victims, nine men and six women, ranged in age from 26 to 53. Two victims were listed as critically wounded while the remaining persons were in good-to-fair condition.
William Betancourt, commander of the Chicago Police Department’s Ogden District, said the venue, Studio 1258, an art gallery, has a “history of throwing unlicensed events.” The place will be closed under the city’s summary closure ordinance.
An emergency assistance center will provide resources for anyone who may have been affected by the shooting. The center will open at the Young Men’s Educational Network, 1241 S. Pulaski Road, located near Studio 1258, on Oct. 31.