Many fearing the amount of dead will only increase 💔

A night of celebration turned deadly Wednesday in Chicago when a mass shooting outside Artis Lounge left three people dead and 16 others wounded. The gunfire erupted just before midnight in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, following an album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz.

Authorities say the attack was a targeted drive-by shooting. Someone in a passing vehicle opened fire into the crowd as attendees were leaving the venue. No arrests have been made, and police are asking for the public’s help.

Northwestern Medicine confirmed multiple victims were rushed to emergency care. While exact details on the injured haven’t been released, the scale of the violence has shocked the city.

“This was a targeted attack,” said a city official. Chicago Police are also investigating whether gang activity or past incidents at the same location may be connected.

This isn’t the first deadly shooting on that block. In November 2022, a separate incident at the same address — then operating as Hush Lounge — left one person dead and three others injured, prompting the city to shut the venue down.

The tragedy has reignited concerns about safety in Chicago’s nightlife scene. Residents and officials alike are questioning whether enough is being done to prevent repeated violence in entertainment districts.

“How many times do we have to revisit this same corner for the same reasons?” one resident posted online, as police continue their investigation into yet another River North tragedy.