A shocking social media video has emerged showing individuals flashing gang signs just moments before a tragic drive-by mass shooting outside Artis Lounge in River North. The incident left 18 people shot, with four fatalities, late Wednesday night.
The video, originally shared by TikTok user @globaltrap_, depicts a livestream capturing a crowd gathered outside the venue around 11 p.m. following a record release party hosted by South Side rapper Mello Buckzz, also known as Melanie Doyle.
During the video, individuals can be seen making gang-related hand gestures while someone off-camera references gang affiliations. Moments later, gunmen in a dark-colored sedan opened fire on the crowd, resulting in a devastating outcome.
Another video, obtained by CWBChicago, captured the aftermath of the shooting, showing several individuals lying lifeless on the sidewalk and in the gutter before police arrived. The content of this video was deemed too graphic to publish.
@globaltrap_ MOMENTS BEFORE 17 PEOPLE WERE SH*T AT #MELLOBUCKZ ♬ original sound – Global Trap
Following the release of the social media video, reactions on TikTok were mixed, with some users cautioning against sharing location information publicly and others debating the interpretation of the language and hand signs seen in the video.
Chicago authorities have not made any arrests in connection with the shooting. The victims were identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Leon Andrew Henry, Aviance King, Taylor Walker, and Devonte Williamson.
Ald. Brendan Reilly criticized Artis Lounge’s owners for misleading the city about their venue’s purpose, leading to the tragic event. He called for the permanent closure of the business, which had only recently opened.
In response to the incident, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling issued a summary closure order for Artis Lounge, pending the owners’ demonstration of a solid operational plan. The shooting marked one of the deadliest incidents in Chicago in recent years.
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the apprehension of the perpetrators. Tips can be provided anonymously.
For more original reporting and to support our work, please consider contributing to our readers’ fund.
