Police said two gunmen in a red SUV opened fire into a crowd on Chicago’s South Side late Friday night.
CHICAGO, Ill. — At least 13 people were injured after two gunmen opened fire from a vehicle into a crowd gathered in Chicago’s Princeton Park neighborhood late Friday, according to police. The shooting happened during Juneteenth celebrations and left two victims in critical condition as investigators searched for those responsible.
The mass shooting unfolded shortly after 11 p.m. near West 95th Street and South Princeton Avenue on the city’s South Side. Authorities said the attack occurred when a red SUV pulled alongside a large crowd and two people inside began firing before speeding away. The incident drew a large emergency response and added to concerns about gun violence during a holiday intended to celebrate freedom and community.
Police said officers were initially dispatched after reports of a person shot in the area. When they arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators later determined that a larger number of people had been struck during the attack, with several victims transporting themselves to area hospitals. The injured ranged in age from 17 to 47. Authorities said a 17-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh and was hospitalized in critical condition. A 26-year-old man who sustained gunshot wounds to the body was also listed in critical condition. Other victims included men and women who suffered wounds to the back, head, knee, thigh and other parts of the body. Most were reported in fair or good condition. One additional man suffered injuries but declined medical treatment.
According to investigators, the shooters remained inside the SUV as they fired into the crowd before fleeing the scene. Detectives have not publicly identified the suspects, and no arrests had been announced as of Saturday. Authorities have not released a motive, and it remains unclear whether the crowd or any specific individuals were targeted. Witnesses described hearing a rapid burst of gunfire followed by chaos as people ran for safety. Neighbor Michael Blount told local television reporters that he initially struggled to believe what he was hearing. He said the sounds were followed almost immediately by emergency sirens rushing toward the neighborhood. Police have not disclosed whether surveillance footage, shell casings or other evidence has helped identify the vehicle or the shooters.
The shooting occurred on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Community members had gathered in the area for celebrations when the violence erupted. The attack cast a shadow over a day that many residents expected to spend with family, neighbors and friends. The incident also occurred on a day that drew attention to Chicago’s South Side for other reasons, including activities connected to the opening period of the Obama Presidential Center. Local advocates against gun violence expressed frustration that another mass shooting interrupted a community gathering. Pastor Donovan Price, who works with victims of violent crime, said the holiday should have been marked by celebration rather than tragedy. Residents and community leaders described the shooting as a painful reminder of the challenges many neighborhoods continue to face despite ongoing anti-violence initiatives.
Area Two detectives are leading the investigation. Police have not announced any charges and have not indicated whether the shooting was gang-related or tied to a specific dispute. Investigators are expected to review surveillance video from nearby businesses and residences and continue interviewing witnesses who were present when the gunfire erupted. City officials said support services would be made available to victims and their families. Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the violence and praised first responders and medical personnel who treated the injured. The city also said community violence intervention workers and crisis response teams would remain engaged in the neighborhood as the investigation continues. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, though officials have not provided a timeline for potential arrests.
By Saturday, police tape still marked portions of the area where the shooting occurred. Residents gathered near the scene, discussing what had happened and checking on neighbors affected by the violence. Some expressed anger that a community event ended with so many people injured, while others focused on supporting families whose loved ones remained hospitalized. Witness accounts painted a scene of confusion as dozens of people scattered after hearing gunfire. Emergency crews transported victims to several hospitals across the city, while others arrived on their own seeking treatment. Despite the fear and uncertainty left behind, community leaders said they were determined not to let the attack define the neighborhood or overshadow the significance of the Juneteenth holiday.
Investigators continue to search for the shooters and the red SUV involved in the attack. As of Saturday evening, no arrests had been announced, and police said the investigation remained active. Authorities are expected to provide additional updates as detectives gather evidence and interview witnesses in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated June 21, 2026.