An SUV pulled up to a South Side Chicago street late Friday and two occupants began firing into a gathered crowd, leaving at least 12 people wounded in what police described as a drive-by shooting.
The vehicle sped away from the scene after the gunfire erupted. Two male victims were listed in critical condition, with one suffering a gunshot wound to the thigh. The wounded ranged from a 17-year-old to a 47-year-old, comprising eight men and four women who were transported to four separate hospitals for treatment.
Among the initial responders' findings was a woman with two gunshot wounds to her back and a man with four graze wounds, both listed in fair condition. Another man declined medical treatment for injuries sustained in the attack.
The shooting occurred on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The timing drew sharp criticism from local advocates. Pastor Donovan Price, who works with gun violence victims in the community, expressed dismay at the incident. "It should be celebrating," he said. "Fireworks should not turn into gunshots."
The attack was part of a broader surge of gun violence across Chicago. Police reported that at least 21 people were shot throughout the city since Friday evening, with four deaths recorded during that window.
Detectives were investigating the circumstances of the South Side shooting, with further details under review by Chicago police.
Author James Rodriguez: "A holiday meant to celebrate freedom became a reminder of how much work remains to address gun violence in American cities."
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