14-Year-Old Killed in Chicago Shooting; Two Shootings Linked

UPDATE: A tragic shooting in downtown Chicago has left a 14-year-old boy dead and eight others injured following two separate incidents on Friday night. The victim, identified as Armani Floyd, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

The violence erupted during a chaotic night linked to a “teen takeover” event that had circulated on social media, prompting large crowds to gather in the downtown area. Floyd was found lying in the street at 140 S. Dearborn St. after the shooting, which also left an 18-year-old man wounded in the leg and hospitalized in serious condition.

Just before this incident, at approximately 10 p.m., an unidentified suspect fired into a crowd of teenagers outside the Chicago Theatre on North State Street, injuring seven victims aged between 13 and 17. Following the shooting, police reported that some victims sustained serious injuries while others suffered from graze wounds. All were transported to local hospitals with varying degrees of injury.

Authorities confirmed that both shootings are connected to the same event, which drew teenagers from as far as Dolton and Evanston following the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Millennium Park. Video footage captured moments before the shootings shows large crowds roaming the streets, suddenly scattering amid the chaos.

In a statement, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “No parent wants to get that terrible, life-altering call,” he said. “It is senseless violence like these shootings that makes us all feel unsafe, and it has left too many families in Chicago reeling.”

As of now, no suspects have been taken into custody in relation to either shooting, with police continuing their investigation into the events that unfolded on Friday night. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward as they seek to bring those responsible to justice.

This developing story highlights the urgent need for community safety and raises questions about the ongoing issue of gun violence, particularly involving youth gatherings. As the investigation unfolds, families across Chicago remain on edge, grappling with the aftermath of this devastating incident.

Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to address the rising incidents of violence in the city.