Four Dead, 14 Injured in Drive-By Shooting Outside Chicago Nightclub
A mass shooting in Chicago’s River North neighborhood left four people dead and 14 others wounded late Wednesday night. The incident occurred outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, a Black- and LGBTQ+-owned venue, following an album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz.
Incident Overview
Around 11:00 p.m. CDT on July 2, 2025, a dark-colored vehicle approached a crowd gathered outside the nightclub. At least one individual inside the vehicle opened fire on the crowd, leading to a chaotic scene. Witnesses described the aftermath as “absolute chaos,” with people screaming and blood on the streets. Four victims—two men aged 24 and 25, and two women aged 26 and 27—were pronounced dead at local hospitals. The injured, aged 21 to 32, were taken to various hospitals, with several in critical condition.
Victims and Motive
The victims included Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, both of whom were friends of Mello Buckzz. The rapper’s boyfriend, Devonte Williamson, was among the deceased. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, with authorities considering the possibility of gang involvement. Police recovered shell casings from different calibers at the scene, suggesting multiple firearms may have been used.
Community Impact and Response
Artis Restaurant and Lounge, which opened as a safe space for marginalized communities, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The venue has been ordered to close, and local officials are considering measures to prevent its reopening. Alderman Brendan Reilly criticized the venue’s management for misrepresenting their business intentions and contributing to the violence.
Mello Buckzz, devastated by the loss of her boyfriend and friend, shared her grief on social media, urging prayers for the victims. She stated, “feel like everything is just weighing down on me… All I can do is talk to God and pray.”
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” and emphasized that it was not a random shooting. He called on the public to provide any information that could assist in the investigation. The police are reviewing surveillance footage and have increased patrols in the area. No arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
The shooting has raised concerns ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, a period historically marked by increased gun violence in Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson assured residents that law enforcement would be out in “full force” to ensure public safety. He emphasized that the city would not let this incident define it and urged the community to come together in the face of tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation
The Chicago Police Department continues to investigate the shooting, focusing on identifying the suspects and determining the motive. Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward. The community remains on edge as law enforcement works to bring those responsible to justice.