A mass shooting in Chicago’s River North neighborhood has left four people dead and 14 others wounded, after gunfire erupted outside a nightclub late Wednesday night. The incident unfolded outside Artis Lounge following a birthday and album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz.

🔫 What Happened

• Just before 11:00 PM, a black SUV pulled up near the club at 311 W. Chicago Avenue.
• Multiple shooters inside the vehicle opened fire with both rifles and handguns.
• Dozens of rounds were fired into a crowd exiting the venue, based on shell casings and surveillance video.
• The SUV fled the scene eastbound immediately after the assault.

👥 Casualties and Victims

Police confirmed four fatalities—two men and two women—all in their 20s and early 30s. Fourteen others were injured, including Mello Buckzz’s boyfriend. Several remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals.

🎤 Targeted Attack?

Law enforcement officials believe the shooting was targeted. Though Mello Buckzz had already left the venue, her close associates were among the victims, prompting speculation that she or her entourage may have been the intended targets.

🏙️ Venue’s Troubled Past

The venue, Artis Lounge, was previously the site of a fatal shooting in 2022 when it operated under a different name. The club has since served as a nightlife hub for Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ communities.

🗣️ Eyewitness & Community Reaction

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Pastor Donovan Price, who responded to the scene, said it “felt like a warzone,” with rapid gunfire lasting nearly 20 seconds. The shooting sent clubgoers and nearby residents running for cover.

🚔 Police Investigation

• No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning