Four Killed, 14 Injured in Mass Shooting Outside Chicago Nightclub During Album Release Party
Date & Time: Wednesday night around 11 p.m., July 2, 2025
Location: Outside Artis Restaurant & Lounge, 311 W. Chicago Avenue, River North, Chicago — during a crowd-filled album-release party for rapper Mello Buckzz
🚗 The Attack
An SUV drove past the venue and multiple occupants opened fire into the crowd on the sidewalk as attendees exited . Surveillance and shell casings indicate handgun and rifle fire, with at least two different calibers used, suggesting multiple shooters
💥 Devastating Toll
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4 killed: Two men (ages 24, 25) and two women (ages 26, 27)
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14 wounded: Victims ranged from age 21 to 32; at least 3 remain in critical condition
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Casualties included Mello Buckzz’s boyfriend and best friend, according to the rapper
🎤 Who Was There
The crowd had gathered for an album-release celebration. Attendees included friends, supporters, and fans of Mello Buckzz, a Chicago rapper whose rising fame in the drill scene was celebrated at the event
📏 Crime Scene & On-Scene Response
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Tempers ran high—witnesses described the scene as resembling a “war zone”, with panic and confusion ensuing
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First responders arrived swiftly; victims were rushed to multiple hospitals including Stroger, Northwestern, Mount Sinai, and Illinois Masonic
🚨 Investigation Status
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No arrests have been made. Police believe three shooters were inside the vehicle and police recovered both handgun and rifle casings
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Authorities suspect the shooting was targeted and possibly gang-related, with shooters allegedly aiming for individuals associated with Mello Buckzz
🏙️ Official Response
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Supt. Larry Snelling called it a “cowardly act” and promised a vigorous effort to identify suspects
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Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed not to let the tragedy define the city and confirmed safety measures would be intensified over the July 4 weekend
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The venue has been temporarily closed under city order; 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly called for a permanent shutdown due to repeat violent incidents at the location
🧭 Bigger Picture & Community Impact
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This mass shooting highlights a sharp spike in violence during preliminary July 4 weekend celebrations—last year more than 100 were shot over the holiday period
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Chicago had seen a drop in violent crime earlier this year, but this incident casts a grim shadow on the city’s community safety plan
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Artis was known as a Black‑, Brown‑, LGBTQ‑owned safe space, built to foster community. That mission shattered in an instant
🧭 What Comes Next
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Law enforcement are combing through surveillance footage, shell casings, and witness accounts for any leads.
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Public tips are being solicited—any footage or information from that night could be vital.
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Authorities aim to capture those responsible before holiday violence escalates further.
📝 Final Takeaway
The River North shooting is a sharp reminder of how quickly celebration can turn into tragedy. Four lives were lost, many more severely affected, and a community’s sense of security shaken. As Chicago deploys its most robust safety measures yet, investigators race against time to bring justice—and prevent further bloodshed.