River North Chicago Mass Shooting: 4 Dead, 14 Injured in Drive-By Attack

On the night of July 2, 2025, a tragic mass shooting rocked Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, leaving four people dead and 14 others wounded. The drive-by attack, which occurred outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge at 311 W. Chicago Avenue, has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about public safety in one of Chicago’s most popular nightlife districts. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the incident, its aftermath, and the ongoing investigation, optimized for readers seeking detailed information about the River North shooting.

What Happened in the River North Shooting?

The mass shooting took place around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, a recently opened BYOB venue in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. According to Chicago police, the incident was a drive-by shooting involving a dark-colored SUV, from which at least one gunman opened fire on a crowd gathered outside the venue. The shooting occurred as patrons were leaving a mixtape release party for Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz, which had drawn a large crowd to the location.

Witnesses reported hearing rapid gunfire, with some estimates suggesting over 20 shots were fired. Cell phone footage captured the chaotic scene as people fled for safety, and a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts had its front window shot out. The shooting is believed to have involved multiple shooters, with evidence of two different calibers of shell casings, including possible rifle rounds, recovered at the scene.

Victims of the River North Mass Shooting

The shooting claimed the lives of four individuals, two of whom were identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, both from Chicago. Among the deceased were a hairstylist and a healthcare worker, who were reportedly friends of Mello Buckzz and had attended the event to support her. Another victim, Taylor Walker, a 26-year-old hairstylist from Chicago’s South Side, was described by family as a loving person with a kind heart. She was one of five siblings, two of whom had passed away in recent years.

Of the 14 injured, nine victims were transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where two were pronounced dead. Five others were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, and several remain in critical condition. Thirteen of the 18 total victims were women, including a 29-year-old woman shot in the shin who was reported in good condition at Northwestern Hospital.

Context and Background of the Incident

The shooting occurred outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, which had opened in April 2025 at the former site of Hush Lounge, a nightclub shut down in 2022 after a previous shooting led Chicago police to deem it a “public safety threat.” The venue was hosting a private event for rapper Mello Buckzz’s mixtape release, and the shooting took place as the club was closing, with a large group of people exiting onto the street.

Reports indicate that among the deceased were Mello Buckzz’s boyfriend and best friend, adding a personal tragedy to the rapper’s event. In a statement, Mello Buckzz expressed her grief, writing, “My heart broke.” The incident has drawn attention to the recurring issue of gun violence in River North, as this marks the second mass shooting at the same address since 2022.

Official Response and Investigation

Chicago police are actively investigating the shooting, but no suspects are in custody as of July 3, 2025. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, with gunmen firing from a vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the incident. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnson, who described the shooting as “senseless and cowardly,” held a press conference on Thursday, July 3, to address the tragedy and outline safety measures for the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

Forty-Second Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly issued a statement expressing deep disturbance over the incident and calling for stronger measures to address problem establishments. The city has since closed Artis Restaurant and Lounge, with a sign posted at the venue indicating the closure. The restaurant issued a statement emphasizing its intent to be a “safe space” for Black, Brown, Queer, and allied communities, noting that the shooting “shook us deeply.”

Community and Official Reactions

The mass shooting has reignited discussions about gun violence in Chicago, particularly in high-profile areas like River North. The Illinois chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action condemned the incident, with volunteer leader Julia Sun stating, “This mass shooting isn’t just a headline, it’s another horrifying reminder that gun violence follows us everywhere.”

Mayor Johnson and local officials have faced criticism, with some X users slamming the city’s leadership for failing to address safety concerns in River North, a neighborhood once known for its vibrant, safe nightlife. One user described the area as a “war zone,” reflecting growing frustration among residents.

Despite this incident, Chicago’s overall murder and shooting rates have declined in 2025. According to the Chicago Police Department’s Violence Reduction Dashboard, fatal shootings dropped by nearly 35% from the first half of 2024 to 2025, from 240 to 157. However, the River North shooting, combined with another mass shooting hours later on Chicago’s Far South Side, underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence, especially during high-risk periods like the Fourth of July weekend.

Safety Concerns and Historical Context

River North has experienced several high-profile shootings in recent years, including a 2023 incident on West Erie Street where eight people were shot and a 2022 shooting near the State-Chicago Red Line station that left nine struck and two dead. The recurrence of violence at 311 W. Chicago Avenue has raised questions about the effectiveness of current safety policies and the oversight of nightlife venues.

Local residents and officials, including Alderman Reilly, have called for proactive measures to prevent such incidents, arguing that it should not take a mass shooting to prompt the closure of problematic establishments. The city is bracing for a historically violent Fourth of July weekend, with last year’s holiday seeing 109 people shot and 19 killed.

How to Stay Informed and Safe

For those seeking updates on the River North shooting, the Chicago Police Department encourages anyone with information to contact them directly or submit anonymous tips through the city’s Crime Stoppers program. Stay informed by following trusted news sources and subscribing to newsletters for breaking news and community alerts.

For residents and visitors in Chicago, safety precautions are critical, especially during high-risk periods. Avoid large crowds in areas with a history of violence, stay aware of your surroundings, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.

Conclusion

The River North mass shooting on July 2, 2025, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Chicago, even in areas known for their cultural and economic vibrancy. As the city mourns the loss of four lives and supports the recovery of the injured, the incident has sparked renewed calls for action to address public safety and prevent future tragedies. The investigation continues, and the community remains on edge as Chicago prepares for the Fourth of July weekend. For the latest updates on this developing story, visit www.nriglobe.com.

Keywords: River North shooting, Chicago mass shooting, Artis Restaurant and Lounge, Mello Buckzz, drive-by shooting, Chicago gun violence, public safety, Fourth of July Chicago