CHICAGO — Surveillance footage has captured the distressing moment when gunfire erupted at a Halloween party on the West Side early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. in the North Lawndale neighborhood’s 1200 block of South Pulaski Road, resulting in fifteen individuals being shot, as reported by the police. The victims, comprising six women and nine men, range in age from 26 to 53 years old.
The Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago has a population of over 33,000 residents with 74% of them being black and 5% white.
Authorities disclosed that a 26-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man were transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, while the other victims were initially listed in good to fair condition.
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During a press conference held later on Sunday, the Chicago Police Department stated that approximately 100 people had gathered to celebrate Halloween. The surveillance video depicted party-goers fleeing the scene, crossing the still busy street at 13th and Pulaski.
One attendee, Tywon Tunstall, who was at the party, recounted, “We were having a fun, good time in here. And, there was an argument. The party had to be shut down. All you hear was gunshots. People dropped to the floor, and women were screaming.” Tunstall, a fellow comedian, mentioned that security checks for weapons were conducted at the entrance. On Sunday, he voiced his condemnation of those who would resort to firing into a crowd of people.
“Individuals with firearms make reckless choices that harm others. I used to be involved in a gang, but I chose to put the guns down because I value my life. People should cherish life out here. We’re striving to stand up and contribute positively to the community, trying to bring joy through laughter,” Tunstall emphasized.
The police swiftly apprehended the shooter, who was identified and had his weapon recovered. “Victims relate that the suspect was ejected from the party, and came back a few minutes later and began to shoot,” noted 10th District CPD Commander William Betancourt.
Resident Will Ricks witnessed the aftermath, including seeing the assailant fleeing the scene. “I was coming down the street, and the guy ran past me with a gun in his hand, crossed the lot and around the corner,” Ricks said. He later discovered that one of his friends was among the injured. “He’s doing alright right now. He just got shot in the leg. I’m waiting to pick him up from the hospital,” Ricks shared.
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Later on Sunday, members of the North Lawndale community came together to seek healing through prayer.
Alderwoman Monique Scott, representing the 24th Ward, addressed the media during Sunday afternoon’s press conference, acknowledging the trauma inflicted on her neighborhood. “I don’t know whether to scream or to cry. We shouldn’t be out here on a Sunday because somebody couldn’t get into a party,” Scott expressed.
The Chicago Police Department and city officials noted that the party location had a history of hosting “unlicensed events.” As a result, CPD is preparing to issue a summary closure order to shut it down.
CPD officials also announced the opening of an emergency assistance center for individuals affected by gun violence on Tuesday at 1241 South Pulaski Road, operational from noon to 7 p.m.
Area Four detectives are currently investigating Sunday’s shooting, with further details pending from the police.
While Mayor Brandon Johnson was not present at the Sunday afternoon press conference, his office released the following statement:
“Early this morning, an alleged act of retaliation occurred at a Halloween party in the North Lawndale community, resulting in 15 people injured. Reports indicate that the suspect had been asked to leave the gathering before returning and senselessly opening fire.
Chicago police promptly responded to the incident and, with the help of those in attendance, swiftly apprehended the perpetrator.
As with all instances of gun violence in our city, my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the impacted communities. The Community Safety Coordination Center will ensure that victims and survivors receive the necessary resources to address their trauma, and my office will continue to mobilize the full force of government in collaboration with City agencies, community-based partners, faith leaders, and others to reduce the number of firearms on Chicago streets and enhance the safety of our neighborhoods and families.
Regrettably, mass casualty events such as this are not unique to the City of Chicago. This Halloween weekend alone, 11 people lost their lives in 12 mass shootings across the country, from Tampa to Texarkana. This comes on the heels of last week’s tragic mass shooting in Maine.
The proliferation of high-powered weaponry is causing harm to our nation, and as long as I am mayor, Chicago will continue to lead the call for sensible gun reform to enhance safety for all communities.”
