One person was killed and eight others — most of them teenagers — were wounded in two separate shootings in Chicago’s downtown Loop on Friday night, Nov. 21, 2025.
The Chicago Police Department said the incidents happened just blocks from Millennium Park, where a Christmas tree lighting had taken place earlier in the evening, according to CBS News, Fox 32 Chicago and NBC Chicago.
The first shooting occurred near State and Randolph streets, close to the Chicago Theatre, at about 9:50 p.m. local time. Officers on patrol reported hearing gunfire aimed into a large crowd.
Police found seven teens, ages 13 to 17, suffering gunshot wounds to various parts of their bodies, CBS News reported. They were taken to area hospitals and listed in good and fair condition, according to Fox News Chicago.
In a post on X, 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins said a large group of young people had gathered in the Loop and that multiple people were shot. He also alleged that several police officers were assaulted during the chaos, with at least one officer hospitalized.
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A second shooting was reported shortly afterward on the 100 block of South Dearborn Street. Officers located two people with gunshot wounds and rushed them to Northwestern Hospital. One victim was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The other victim, an 18-year-old man, was listed in serious condition with a gunshot wound to the leg, CBS News said.
Friday night had drawn heavy crowds downtown for the holiday kickoff, including the tree lighting in Millennium Park and opening-night festivities at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.
Some people who had been out for the celebrations described the panic after the first shooting. Linda Dixon told CBS News she was leaving the Chicago Theatre with a group when she saw officers racing past and people suddenly sprinting away.
“We’re coming out of the theater, and everybody just started running,” she said. “We almost got knocked into the street because everyone was running that way. I’m not exactly sure what happened.”
She called the violence “disheartening,” especially during the holiday season when families were downtown to enjoy the evening.
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to arrests in either shooting, CBS News reported.
