Two people were killed and five others wounded after gunfire tore through a late-night gathering in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood early Friday, police said. The attack unfolded around 12:26 a.m. in the 5100 block of South Wood Street, when two people walked up to a group standing outside and opened fire. Victims were rushed to several South Side hospitals, and detectives have launched a homicide investigation.
Police say two gunmen opened fire
Chicago police said two suspects approached the group on foot and started shooting, hitting seven people and killing two, according to ABC7 Chicago. Officers assigned Area One detectives to the case and shut down the 5100 block of South Wood Street overnight while they searched for shell casings and other evidence. No arrests had been reported as of Friday morning.
Neighborhood has seen recent shootings
The Back of the Yards has been absorbing one shooting after another in recent weeks, leaving neighbors on edge. The Chicago Sun-Times reported a May 26 shooting in the area that killed a 17-year-old boy, and NBC Chicago covered an April incident that left three men injured, underscoring a worrying streak of gun violence on the Southwest Side. Community groups have responded with vigils and peace walks, pressing city officials to step up violence-prevention efforts before the summer heats up even more.
Victims and hospital conditions
Police released ages and conditions for several of the victims. A 23-year-old woman was shot in the head and taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. A 54-year-old man was also taken to Stroger with a gunshot wound to the ankle and was listed in fair condition. A 30-year-old woman was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital with gunshot wounds to her thigh and hand and was listed in fair condition.
A 32-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center and listed in good condition. One male victim who was shot in the head, chest and leg was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center, and another male victim was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital, according to ABC7 Chicago.
What’s next
Neighbors said the barrage of gunfire left people rattled and worrying about what comes next for the block. The incident has reignited calls for more outreach workers, youth programs and sustained anti-violence investment in Back of the Yards. NBC Chicago has reported on community vigils and peace walks in the neighborhood, and the Chicago Sun-Times has tracked several recent fatal shootings there.
Police are asking anyone with information or video of the attack to contact investigators. As of Friday, authorities had not announced any arrests.
