Police said two people fired from a red SUV into a crowd on the city’s South Side late Friday night.
CHICAGO, Ill. — A shooting during a Juneteenth gathering on Chicago’s South Side left at least 13 people injured late Friday night after two gunmen opened fire from a vehicle into a crowd, according to police. Two victims were reported in critical condition as investigators searched for the shooters.
The attack occurred in the Princeton Park neighborhood shortly after 11 p.m. and prompted a large emergency response. Authorities said the suspects fired from a red sport utility vehicle before fleeing the area. Detectives have not announced arrests or identified a motive. The shooting disrupted a holiday celebration and renewed concerns about gun violence at large public gatherings in the city.
Police said officers were initially dispatched to the area near West 95th Street and South Princeton Avenue after reports of a person being shot. As officers arrived, they discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators later learned that additional victims had traveled to hospitals on their own, increasing the number of injured to 13. Authorities said the suspects remained inside the vehicle while firing into the crowd. Witnesses described hearing a rapid series of gunshots before people scattered in different directions seeking safety. Emergency vehicles soon converged on the neighborhood as police secured the area and medical teams worked to treat the wounded. The shooting transformed what had been a holiday gathering into a crime scene within moments.
The victims ranged in age from 17 to 47, according to police. A 17-year-old boy who suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh was listed in critical condition. A 26-year-old man who sustained wounds to the body was also reported in critical condition. Other victims suffered injuries to the head, back, knee, thigh and other areas. Most were reported in fair or good condition. One injured man declined medical treatment. Detectives said they were still working to determine whether the crowd itself was targeted or whether the gunfire was directed at specific individuals. Authorities have not released descriptions of the shooters beyond indicating they were inside a red SUV. Investigators also have not disclosed how many rounds were fired or whether multiple weapons were used. By Saturday, officials said the case remained active and significant questions about the circumstances of the attack were still unanswered.
The violence occurred during Juneteenth celebrations, a federal holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States and is often observed through community gatherings, cultural events and family activities. Residents had gathered in the neighborhood expecting an evening of celebration when the shooting erupted. Community leaders said the attack cast a shadow over a day intended to focus on history, freedom and neighborhood unity. The incident also drew attention because it occurred on Chicago’s South Side during a period of increased public activity connected to events and attractions in the area. Anti-violence advocates said the shooting highlighted ongoing challenges facing neighborhoods that continue to struggle with gun violence despite years of intervention efforts. Residents expressed frustration that a community event ended with so many injuries, while others emphasized the need to support victims and families affected by the attack.
Area Two detectives are leading the investigation and are expected to review surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. Investigators also plan to continue interviewing witnesses and collecting physical evidence from the scene. Police have not announced charges, and officials have not said whether the shooting may be linked to gang activity, a personal dispute or another motive. City leaders said support services would be offered to victims and their families as the investigation moves forward. Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the violence and praised first responders and medical personnel who treated those injured. Officials also said community violence intervention workers and crisis response teams would remain active in the neighborhood. Detectives are expected to provide additional information as evidence is analyzed and leads are pursued. No timetable has been announced for potential arrests.
Residents gathered near the taped-off area on Saturday, discussing the shooting and checking on neighbors who had attended the event. Neighbor Michael Blount said the sounds of gunfire were difficult to comprehend at first and were quickly followed by the arrival of emergency sirens. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people ran from the area and searched for friends and family members. Emergency crews transported victims to hospitals across the city while others arrived independently for treatment. Local anti-violence advocate Pastor Donovan Price said the holiday should have been remembered for celebration rather than tragedy. Community leaders said they hoped the neighborhood would remain focused on supporting those affected while refusing to let the violence define the community. Even as investigators worked the scene, residents spoke about preserving the meaning of the holiday and helping families whose loved ones remained hospitalized.
As of Saturday evening, police had not announced arrests and were still searching for the suspects and the red SUV involved in the shooting. Detectives said the investigation remains ongoing, with additional witness interviews and evidence reviews expected in the days ahead.
Author note: Last updated June 21, 2026.