🎉 A Night of Beats Turned to Chaos
What began as a vibrant celebration in Chicago’s River North—music pumping, partygoers exiting a rapper’s album release—exploded into tragedy as gunfire tore through the crowd.
A dark SUV pulled up, and multiple shooters opened fire. In mere seconds, festive energy devolved into screams, blood, and chaos.
📍 What Happened
When & Where: Around 11 p.m. Wednesday at Artis Restaurant & Lounge, 300–311 W. Chicago Ave., after rapper Mello Buckzz’s album release party.
The Toll: Four people were killed—two men (aged 24 and 25) and two women (26–27)—and 14 others were wounded, ranging in age from 21 to 32.
Shooting Style: A drive-by attack from an SUV carrying at least three shooters. Over 18 were struck.
Police Response
Superintendent Larry Snelling condemned it as a “cowardly act” and said the shooters fled immediately. Authorities recovered both rifle and handgun casings at the scene and emphasized the attack appeared targeted, not random.
📌 History Repeats
This address isn’t new to violence. In November 2022, a shooting outside the previous nightclub here (Hush Lounge) left one person dead and three injured—prompting the city to close it. The current venue, Artis, opened in April and is a Black and LGBTQ-owned Creole BYOB space meant to be inclusive.
Local alderman Brendan Reilly urged Chicago to permanently revoke Artis’s license, arguing it misrepresented its purpose and contributed to violence.
🖤 Who Were the Victims?
Three of the four deceased have been publicly identified:
Leon Andrew Henry, 25
Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23 (boyfriend of Mello Buckzz)
Taylor Walker, 26 (a hairstylist who loved dance)
Aviance King, 27
Several victims remain in critical condition; many were women in their early-to-mid 20s.
🔍 What’s Next?
Investigators are combing through surveillance footage and asking for public tips. They’re also looking into possible gang involvement and whether the rapper was specifically targeted—though she had already left the scene before shots rang out.
With the July 4 holiday approaching, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the CPD promised heightened patrols to prevent further violence.
🔚 Conclusion
This deadly drive-by at Artis Restaurant & Lounge is yet another stark reminder of Chicago’s ongoing struggle with gun violence—even in its bustling, nightlife-filled streets. With four young lives lost and more injured, the attack raises urgent questions: Was this a targeted revenge, gang retaliation, or something else? And how do we keep public spaces safe when history threatens to repeat itself?
Chicago’s leadership must now decide: bolster protective measures, review venue licensing, and confront the deeper societal issues fueling such violence. Meanwhile, families and communities mourn in places that should have been filled with celebration—not fear.