Mass Shooting Injures Seven Juveniles After Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Chicago Loop
On November 21, a tragic incident unfolded in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, near the iconic Chicago Theatre marquee, where seven juveniles were injured in a mass shooting following the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. The suspect, 17-year-old Damaurion Cherry, was arrested by Chicago police after being discharged from the hospital where he was being treated for gunshot wounds sustained on January 21.
According to Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara, the shooting took place at 175 North State Street at 9:51 p.m. and was captured on surveillance cameras mounted on the Chicago Theatre marquee. Cherry and his companions engaged in a verbal altercation with a group of unarmed teenagers, leading to Cherry pulling out a handgun from his jacket and firing multiple rounds at the teens. The chaos that ensued caused bystanders to flee in fear for their lives.
All seven victims, aged between 14 and 17, suffered injuries in the shooting. After the incident, Cherry and his friends were seen on CTA surveillance video boarding a bus, where Cherry allegedly stashed the weapon used in the shooting in a backpack. Subsequently, Cherry committed a robbery at gunpoint on the South Side, further escalating the gravity of his actions.
Evidence gathered from the scene, including cartridge casings and surveillance footage, linked Cherry to the shooting. Three staff members from Cherry’s high school and two police officers positively identified him from surveillance stills, confirming his involvement in the crime.
Despite initially denying his role in the shooting, Cherry eventually confessed to the crime after being discharged from the hospital. He is currently on juvenile probation for a previous robbery conviction but is being tried as an adult for the shooting incident.
Given the severity of the charges against him, Judge John Hook ordered Cherry to be detained pending trial, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses he stands accused of.
As the investigation continues into the events surrounding the mass shooting in the Loop, the community remains shocked and saddened by the senseless violence that unfolded on what should have been a joyous occasion.
