Mass Shooting at Chicago Nightclub Leaves 3 Dead, 16 Injured After Mello Buckzz Album Release Party

CHICAGO, IL — At least three people were killed and 16 others injured late Wednesday night, June 2, in a horrific mass shooting outside a downtown Chicago nightclub, marking one of the deadliest acts of violence in the city so far this year. The gunfire erupted just before midnight in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, outside Artis Lounge, where a well-attended album release party for rising Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz had just concluded. Police believe the mass shooting was a drive-by attack, though the investigation remains ongoing.

According to the Chicago Police Department, a vehicle approached a crowd gathered near the venue’s exit around 11:55 p.m., moments after the event ended. Multiple gunmen inside the vehicle opened fire indiscriminately into the crowd before fleeing the scene at high speed. The aftermath was one of chaos and devastation—screams echoed through the streets, patrons scattered in fear, and victims collapsed on the sidewalk as others tried to administer first aid.

First responders arrived within minutes and were met with a chaotic scene. Emergency personnel transported at least 16 injured individuals to area hospitals, with injuries ranging from minor to critical. Tragically, three victims—two men and one woman—were pronounced dead at the scene or shortly after arrival at the hospital. As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made, and police are working to identify both the vehicle and the assailants.

Witnesses described a sudden hail of bullets, sending dozens of people running for cover. “It sounded like fireworks at first—then people started dropping. Everyone was screaming and trying to duck behind cars,” said one attendee who escaped uninjured. “It was supposed to be a night of celebration. Nobody saw this coming.”

Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz, whose party was the focus of the night, issued a statement on social media expressing deep sorrow and calling for justice. “I’m heartbroken,” he wrote. “This was meant to be a celebration of life, music, and unity. Instead, it turned into a nightmare. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.”

The Artis Lounge, a well-known nightlife hotspot in Chicago’s Near North Side, had hosted the album release party with enhanced security, according to its management. However, the violence occurred outside the premises as patrons were leaving. The establishment has since closed temporarily, with management expressing condolences and pledging to cooperate fully with law enforcement.

City leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, have condemned the shooting in the strongest terms, urging for both immediate action and long-term solutions to Chicago’s persistent gun violence crisis. “We cannot allow our communities to live in fear,” the mayor stated. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of the work we must do—to strengthen our laws, invest in prevention, and bring those who commit such violence to justice.”

Local activists and community organizations held a vigil on Thursday evening near the site of the shooting, honoring the lives lost and calling for peace. Many expressed frustration that events meant to uplift local talent and bring people together are being marred by senseless acts of violence.

“This is devastating, but sadly not shocking,” said community organizer Latasha Miller. “Until we address the systemic roots—poverty, lack of access, and easy availability of guns—this will keep happening.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

As the investigation continues and the city mourns, the names of the deceased have not yet been released, pending family notification. Hospital officials say several of the wounded remain in critical condition, and the number of fatalities could rise.

What should have been a night to celebrate music, talent, and unity instead became a scene of tragedy—another searing example of the toll gun violence continues to take on Chicago. The scars from this night will be long-lasting, and the city now turns once more to healing, reflection, and the urgent search for justice.