URGENT UPDATE: A 14-year-old boy, identified as Armani Floyd, was tragically killed in a downtown Chicago shooting during a chaotic gathering known as the “teen takeover.” His death has been ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Floyd succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Friday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The incident unfolded at 140 S. Dearborn St., where Floyd and another teenager were found lying in the street after a shooting that also injured eight others. Witnesses reported large crowds roaming before the scene erupted into chaos, leading to the immediate scattering of bystanders. Police recovered three 9-mm casings, one live round, and a fired bullet from the area.
Earlier that night, less than an hour before Floyd was shot, an 18-year-old man was struck in the leg during a separate shooting at the 100 block of North State Street outside the Chicago Theatre. This first shooting involved an unidentified suspect who fired into a crowd of teenagers, resulting in injuries to seven victims aged between 13 and 17. These victims were taken to local hospitals and are reported in good and fair condition.
Authorities have linked both shootings to the “teen takeover” event that circulated on social media in the days leading up to the violence. Reports indicate teens traveled from as far as Dolton and Evanston to participate in the gathering after the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Millennium Park. Videos shared online cautioned attendees to avoid the Loop due to potential disruptions.
“No parent wants to get that terrible, life-altering call,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during a Saturday morning event. He condemned the violence, stating, “It is senseless violence like these shootings that makes us all feel unsafe, and it has left too many families in Chicago reeling.”
As of Sunday evening, no suspects have been apprehended in relation to either shooting. Police continue to investigate the incidents and urge anyone with information to come forward.
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for community safety and raises questions about the impact of social media on youth gatherings. Chicago residents are left grappling with the consequences of this violence as they reflect on the loss of a young life and the injuries sustained by several others.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
