A gathering in Auburn Gresham on the city's South Side tragically ended with seven teenagers being wounded in a drive-by shooting early Saturday. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the incident occurred as police officers were trying to disperse a large crowd in the 1200 block of West 78th Street around 1:55 a.m. when shots were fired from a passing vehicle into the group.
The victims, all male between the ages of 17 and 19, were rushed to nearby hospitals. Injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to the legs, arms, and back, with one 18-year-old man in serious condition after sustaining wounds to the leg and chest. This was part of a night that was meant to celebrate the end of the year and the joy of prom, only for it to be marred by a senseless act of violence. No arrests have been made yet as detectives continue to actively investigate the situation.
Further details on the gathering suggest it was an after-prom event near St. Sabina Church, famously led by Father Michael Pfleger. In a statement obtained by CBS Chicago, Pfleger expressed his dismay and disappointment at the event, noting that "Parents have to know where their kids are at two o'clock in the morning." He clarified that the shooting was not connected to the church, but remains a concern for the community it serves.
A church member and witness, Tiffani Cooper, recounted the chaos that unfolded as the gunshots were fired. She had been present to ensure the safety of the church against any possible damage due to the large crowd. "I was out here when the gunshots rang out and when the kids dispersed, and the police still had to get children to leave even after they heard the gunshots," she told CBS Chicago. To bring justice to the victims and their families, Father Pfleger is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter or shooters involved.
