1 dead, 8 injured in shootings as police attacked during riots near Chicago Christmas tree lighting

The violence unfolded during a busy evening as large crowds filled the area for the tree-lighting ceremony in Millennium Park and the first night of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.

The first shooting occurred around 9:50 pm near State and Randolph by the Chicago Theatre. Seven teenagers were injured after gunshots were fired into a large crowd. Officers on patrol heard the shots and found seven victims ranging in age from 13 to 17 years old. They were taken to Stroger Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital and were listed in fair to good condition.

About thirty minutes later, a second shooting happened near Adams and Dearborn streets. Two people were shot and taken to Northwestern Hospital. One of the victims, a 14-year-old, was pronounced dead.

Alderman Brian Hopkins wrote on X, "300 juveniles rioting in the Loop now, at least 5 victims shot, one critical with life threatening gunshot wound to torso. Multiple police officers attacked and injured with mace and stun guns, at least one PO hospitalized."

On Saturday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the shootings during a news conference, noting that the incidents occurred despite additional police deployment in the area. He said 300 more officers would be assigned downtown Saturday night ahead of the holiday parade.

"We have too many guns and too many young people who do not value their lives or the lives of others," Johnson said, according to CBS News.

This marks the second consecutive year a shooting has taken place on the opening weekend of Christkindlmarket. Last year, a 19-year-old woman was shot outside a Macy’s department store.