Earlier today, a shooting in Chicago's River North left eight individuals injured, with four of them in critical condition, as reported by Chicago Tribune. In response, police issued a closure order on a local bar located nearby.
According to CBS NEWS, the incident unfolded around 2:38 a.m. when people got into a physical altercation outside on West Erie Street, which escalated to gunfire. The severity of the victim's injuries varied from gunshot wounds to the foot, to head and abdominal trauma. According to the Chicago Tribune, four of the individuals are clinging to life, while the rest of the victims is in stable condition.
Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, targeted a nearby establishment, Blüm Restaurant & Bar, as problematic and urged police to, quickly shut it down. According to the Chicago Tribune, Police proceeded with the closure order on Monday, October 9th.
Moreover, Reilly expressed concerns about the lackadaisical response of the Commissioner of Business Affairs and his bureaucrats, urging them to revoke the liquor licenses of such irreresponsible establishments. He emphasized that a mass shooting should not be the sole impetus to shut down a problematic nightclub. As reported in the Chicago Tribune, there was no immediate response from representatives of Blüm.
While authorities are probing the shooting and looking for suspects, Reilly's office is seeking to sell the building housing Blüm. The property reportedly is under contract to be sold next month, and Reilly expects the closure order to prohibit reopening of the business until the sale is finalized.
