At least 12 wounded in drive-by shooting on Chicago's South Side

An SUV pulled up to a crowd in Chicago's South Side and two occupants opened fire, injuring at least 12 people late on Friday night.

At least 12 wounded in drive-by shooting on Chicago's South Side

An SUV stopped beside a gathered crowd in Chicago's South Side neighborhood late Friday evening, and two people inside the vehicle began firing shots into the group, according to police. The attack left at least 12 individuals wounded.

The incident occurred during the night hours in the South Side area. After the gunfire, the vehicle sped away from the scene. Two men among the injured were transported to medical facilities in critical condition. One of them sustained a bullet wound to the thigh, authorities reported in their official statement.

Law enforcement officials said the victims include eight men and four women, ranging in age from 17 to 47 years old. All were taken to four separate hospitals for treatment. An additional man suffered injuries of an unknown nature but declined to receive medical care.

When police first responded to a call about a person who had been shot, officers discovered a woman with two wounds to her back and a man with four surface-level injuries also to his back. Both individuals are now listed in stable condition at hospitals.

The Cook County State's Attorney's office is investigating the case. Further details have not yet been made public. Police noted that since Friday evening, at least 21 shooting incidents have been recorded across the city, resulting in four fatalities.

The shooting took place on the eve of Juneteenth, the American holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Earlier that same day, former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama had welcomed the first visitors to the Obama Presidential Center, located in Chicago's South Side.

Pastor Donovan Price, known for his support of gun violence victims, told CBS News that a mass shooting occurring on a day of celebration represents a tragedy. "We should have been celebrating," he said, adding that "fireworks should not turn into shootings."

Source: Ta Nea

Source: Ta Nea