‘In A Matter Of Seconds’: Chicago Sees 18 People Shot, 4 Killed In Single Drive-By Shooting

Eighteen people were shot and four killed in a drive-by shooting outside a restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood late Wednesday, authorities confirmed Thursday.

The shooting occurred following an album release party at Artis Restaurant and Lounge for rapper Mello Buckzz. Shots were fired from a fast-moving vehicle, striking a crowd gathered outside the venue, according to police. (RELATED: Chicago Records Another Bloody Weekend, At Least 36 Shot, 3 Killed)

Here’s a security video of the shooting last night that left 4 ppl dead & 18 in the hospital.

This is a targeted attack.

Surely the car isn’t stolen & all of the shooters have their FOID, CCL & are @NRA members. https://t.co/o5XbXO8Igj pic.twitter.com/DVeCDF3SB6

— Libs Of Chicago (@Libs_OfChicago) July 3, 2025

“In a matter of seconds, they were able to shoot 18 people, taking four lives,” said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said at a Thursday press conference, PBS reported. “It was a cowardly act.”

Authorities said the shooting was not random and appeared targeted, though the motive remains under investigation, according to PBS. Two different calibers of shell casings were found at the scene, indicating multiple shooters may have been involved.

Among those shot were 13 women and five men, ranging in age from 21 to 32, PBS reported. Two of the deceased were identified as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23. The two female victims had not yet been named by the medical examiner as of Thursday.

Police said at least three individuals remained in critical condition. The suspect vehicle fled immediately after the attack, and no arrests had been made by Friday.

The restaurant, which promotes itself as a safe space for Black, Brown, Queer, and allied communities, was temporarily closed following the incident. “What happened last night disrupted it in the most painful way,” the restaurant said in a statement.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the tragedy during a Thursday press conference, saying, “Today is certainly a difficult day for our city.”