Authorities revealed that a shooting erupted during a family gathering in Chicago, killing one child and injuring at least ten others, including a one-year-old and an eight-year-old.
No one has been apprehended in the mass shooting that occurred Saturday night on the city’s South Side, and police are appealing for the public’s assistance in identifying those who may be guilty.
Deputy Chief Don Jerome believes the incident was gang-related.
“This was not a random act of violence,” Jerome stated during a press conference Saturday night. “Regardless of the motivation for this incident, three innocent children were struck tonight and one of them tragically succumbed to her wounds.”
Ariana Molina, 9, was shot in the head, according to authorities. Her father confirmed her as the dead victim. She was rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital and pronounced dead, according to authorities.
According to Ariana’s father, Jose Molina, the incident resulted in gunshot wounds for both him and his wife. He stated that his wife is still in the hospital with a bullet wound to her back and that he had wounds on his foot.
He stated that his daughter was “wonderful, helpful, and was everything to him.”
Police said the shooting took place amid a huge family outdoor party in the Back of the Yards area. Witnesses informed police that around 9:18 p.m., a black vehicle drove up to the event and opened fire on the crowd without warning.
Police believe two gunmen were responsible for the mayhem.
“The offenders’ actions, make no mistake, are horrific and unacceptable in our city,” he said.
Authorities officers responded to the scene after a ShotSpotter warning identified 18 gunfire rounds, according to authorities.
According to authorities, officers discovered many victims with gunshot wounds and immediately began administering life-saving efforts.
Police reported at least three people were in severe condition, including two boys aged one and eight. Police said both youngsters were shot in the abdomen and were being treated at Comer youngsters’s Hospital on Sunday.
According to authorities, a 36-year-old male who suffered two gunshot wounds to the back was in critical condition on Sunday at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The other victims’ ages varied from 19 to 40, according to police.
Chicago Alderman Stephanie Coleman, who represents Chicago’s 16th Ward, where the shooting occurred, issued a statement on Sunday, calling it “a cowardly crime.”
“The Back of the Yards community is united in our grief, prayers, and collective mindset that we must continue to stand firm against these senseless acts of physical force,” Coleman said in a statement.
“Violence is a citywide issue that continues to misrepresent the genuine spirit and inherent nature of our neighborhoods. “This tragedy has left us all heartbroken and distraught,” Coleman stated.