Tragedy in River North: Avi Drexler and Taylor Walker Identified Among 4 Killed in Mass Shooting Outside Chicago Nightclub

Tragedy in River North: Avi Drexler and Taylor Walker Identified Among 4 Killed in Mass Shooting Outside Chicago Nightclub

On the evening of July 2, 2025, around 11 p.m. CDT, a dark SUV pulled up outside Artis Restaurant & Lounge (311 W. Chicago Ave.) as patrons were exiting a listening party for local rapper Mello Buckzz. The vehicle opened fire, resulting in a mass shooting that left four people dead and fourteen others injured in a drive-by attack

🎯 Victims Identified

Among the four fatalities:

• Taylor Walker, 26, a hairstylist from Chicago’s South Side, was confirmed deceased by family and WGN‑TV

• Avi Drexler, believed to be one of the men killed, has also been identified.

• Two other individuals—a man (24 or 25) and a woman (26 or 27)—lost their lives, per police reports The fourteen injured, ranging in age from early 20s to early 30s, include both men and women. Four of them are listed in critical or serious condition

🎙️ Scene & Immediate Reactions

• Witnesses described “absolute chaos” as shots echoed around the crowded street

• Pastor Donovan Price, arriving minutes after, called it “the worst I’ve seen,” as frightened patrons searched for loved ones and scattered phones

• In response, Artis Lounge issued a statement affirming its identity as a “safe space for Black, Brown, Queer, and allied communities,” expressing deep grief and ongoing support for victims and authorities .

🚔 Investigation Status

• No arrests have been made; police suspect multiple shooters may have been involved

• Ballistic evidence from both handgun and rifle rounds has been recovered at the scene

• Authorities continue to comb through surveillance footage, social media videos, and witness accounts to identify suspects .

🌐 Context & Community Impact

• The shooting struck Chicago’s River North, a popular nightlife zone across from downtown.

• With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, when violent incidents typically spike—last year saw 109 shootings and 19 deaths during that period—it casts a shadow on the city’s safety outlook

• Notably, the same block previously experienced a deadly shooting in 2022 at what was then Hush Lounge

• Earlier in 2025, Chicago had seen a welcome downturn in gun violence, especially after Memorial Day, but this attack disrupts that trend.

🧑‍🎤 Mello Buckzz Connection

Police are investigating whether Mello Buckzz was the target. She reportedly left the venue before the shooting began  In the aftermath, she posted a statement:

“Prayers up for all my sisters god please wrap yo arms around every last one of them,”
confirming two of the deceased were her friends

🔍 What’s Next

• Police are appealing for tips, surveillance footage, and any eyewitness accounts to track down suspects.

• The investigation remains active, with updates expected as leads develop.

• Artis Lounge has pledged full cooperation and is working on enhancing security measures.

📝 Summary

• Date & Location: July 2–3, 2025; Artis Restaurant & Lounge, River North, Chicago.

• Casualties: 4 deceased (including Taylor Walker and Avi Drexler), 14 injured.

• Circumstances: Drive-by shooting amid a listening party for rapper Mello Buckzz.

• Investigation: Ongoing; suspects unidentified, multiple gunmen suspected.

• Community Toll: Adds another tragically violent chapter to an area once considered safe, coinciding with high-risk holiday travel.