Chicago’s deadly violence erupted during Christmas tree lighting festivities as a 14-year-old boy was gunned down and eight others wounded in two separate downtown shootings within an hour.
Story Highlights
- 14-year-old killed, 8 others wounded in two downtown Chicago shootings during Christmas celebration.
- Shootings occurred within one hour near Chicago Theater during city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- No suspects in custody for either shooting as violence mars family holiday event.
- Seven victims wounded in first shooting, teen fatally shot in second incident on busy downtown street.
Holiday Violence Strikes Downtown Chicago
Chicago police responded to two separate shootings in downtown Chicago on Friday night, November 21, 2025, that left a 14-year-old boy dead and eight others injured. The violence occurred during the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, transforming what should have been a joyful family celebration into a scene of tragedy and chaos.
14-year-old dead, 8 injured in shootings during holiday festivities in Chicago https://t.co/VQfpaXMxhR
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) November 22, 2025
First Shooting Near Chicago Theater
Officers on patrol in the 100 block of North State Street observed a large crowd near the Chicago Theater at 9:50 p.m. when gunfire erupted. Police heard shots fired as the crowd began fleeing in panic. Seven people sustained gunshot wounds from the gunfire, with six victims in good condition and one in fair condition as of Saturday morning.
Teen Fatally Shot in Second Incident
Less than an hour later at 10:40 p.m., police responded to another shooting report in the 100 block of South Dearborn Street. They discovered two victims struck by gunfire. A 14-year-old male suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital. An 18-year-old male was shot in the leg and hospitalized in serious condition.
No Arrests Made in Either Case
Chicago police confirmed no suspects are in custody for either shooting incident. Detectives continue investigating the circumstances that led to both attacks. The lack of arrests highlights ongoing challenges with violent crime in Chicago, particularly incidents affecting young victims during public events meant to bring communities together for holiday celebrations.
