A frightening scene unfolded Tuesday at Paul Revere Elementary School on Chicago's South Side after someone sprayed mace inside the building, according to city fire officials. Chicago Fire Department crews evaluated nine people at the scene and took all of them to nearby hospitals, with most reporting only minor symptoms. Officials said eight people were in good condition and one was in fair condition. The incident happened at the Paul Revere campus in the Grand Crossing neighborhood.
The Chicago Fire Department told FOX 32 Chicago that nine people were transported for evaluation after the spray. The station reported that most of those affected had minor symptoms and that authorities had not released any information about who set off the chemical.
Where the School Sits and Who It Serves
Paul Revere Elementary is located at 1010 East 72nd Street, according to Mapcarta, and is part of the Comer Education Campus. The Comer site says Gary Comer visited the school in 1998 and later helped build the campus, which now hosts schools and youth programs serving neighborhood families. Local groups rely on the campus for after-school programming and community resources.
Officials and Unanswered Questions
Authorities had not identified who sprayed the mace, and police had not released any details on suspects or possible motives, the fire department told reporters. FOX 32 Chicago also reported that officials had not said whether any of the victims were students, and city agencies had not issued further public updates as of Tuesday afternoon.
What to Expect Next
Chicago police and school officials typically investigate chemical exposures at schools, and the district or city will likely provide updates as investigators review the scene and medical reports. Parents in the area should watch for notices from the school and follow guidance from public-safety authorities while officials continue their inquiry.
