Mass shooting at Chicago park kills one, injures 14 at South Side reunion

A man was killed and 14 others wounded when gunfire erupted at Washington Park on Chicago's South Side during a Saturday night gathering. No arrests have been reported.

One dead, 14 hurt as gunman opens fire on Washington Park crowd in Chicago

A 35-year-old man was killed and at least 14 others injured when an unknown shooter opened fire into a crowd at Washington Park on Chicago's South Side shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to 11alive.com.

The shooting took place in the 5400-block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, where multiple gatherings were underway at the time, including a reunion for former residents of the now-demolished Robert Taylor Homes housing complex.

Chicago police said an unknown person or group began firing into the crowd from across the street. The victim pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Rontonio M. Guterz, of Chicago, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the body.

20th Ward Alderman Jeanette Taylor described what happened. "Somebody across the street from the park started shooting in the park — not necessarily anything to do with what was happening in the park," Taylor said. "But somebody across the street started shooting."

Police initially reported ten victims — four women and six men. A subsequent update added five more injured women, bringing the total to 15 victims including the deceased. One person was listed in serious condition, ten in fair to good condition, and the status of three others was not immediately known.

Emergency radio traffic reflected the chaos that followed the shots. "We've got a lot of reports, non-stop. Cottage and 53rd… We have people running," a dispatcher said.

Among the injured, a 47-year-old woman was transported to Northwestern Hospital in serious condition. A 26-year-old woman shot in the chest multiple times was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center and listed in good condition. Several other victims sustained wounds to the shoulder, leg, and arm, and were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, Stroger Hospital, and St. Bernard Hospital respectively.

Taylor, who attended the Robert Taylor Homes reunion, said the event was being monitored by police when the shooting occurred. "They deserved to hang out and reminisce and get to see each other, which, too often, they don't get to do," she said. "And you get some knucklehead who decides to shoot in a crowd. It's real disheartening."

Members of violence-interruption group Chitown Crime Chasers arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. Justin Peters of the organisation said some people were still searching for friends and family members in the aftermath. "We're acting like this is the norm. And it's not. This is not OK. This is not something we should be used to," Peters said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the shooting, reaffirming his commitment to removing illegal weapons from city streets. "Every time an act of violence at this scale happens, it's horrific," Johnson said.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also issued a statement. "Last night's shooting in Washington Park has left Chicago mourning this weekend. Gun violence has no place here — and law enforcement will work around the clock to ensure accountability and keep communities safe," Pritzker said.

Detectives from Area One canvassed the area on Sunday morning while city crews cleaned the park. No officers were injured. No arrests had been announced at the time of reporting, and authorities did not immediately provide additional information.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)