Teen Charged in Shooting of Seven Juveniles at Chicago Theatre
A 17-year-old boy is facing charges in connection with the shooting of seven juveniles outside the Chicago Theatre following the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in November. The Chicago Police Department has indicated that he also committed an armed robbery on the South Side less than two hours after the shooting.
Although the boy has not been publicly identified due to being a juvenile, his name is expected to be disclosed when he appears in court for his initial hearing, as he is being charged as an adult.
During the court hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon, prosecutors are anticipated to provide further details about the events that transpired on the evening of November 21, as attendees dispersed from the Loop following the holiday kickoff event.
According to police reports, a lone gunman opened fire around 10 p.m. outside the Chicago Theatre while numerous young people remained in the area after the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Law enforcement officers were already present in the vicinity and witnessed a large group engaging in a physical altercation on the sidewalk along the first block of North State Street.
Upon hearing gunshots and observing individuals fleeing in various directions, officers swiftly intervened and discovered seven juveniles with gunshot wounds and graze injuries along State Street, spanning from the theater towards Randolph Street.
The victims ranged from a 13-year-old girl shot in the leg to a 17-year-old boy with a graze wound to the thigh. Videos circulated on social media captured officers administering aid to the injured on the sidewalk near a Walgreens close to State Street and Randolph Street, while additional victims received assistance near the Chicago Theatre marquee.
Moreover, the same 17-year-old boy is accused of committing an armed robbery against a 38-year-old man at gunpoint in the 600 block of East 102nd Street approximately 90 minutes after the shooting incident.
The teenager is facing multiple charges, including seven counts each of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, and aggravated discharge of a firearm. Additionally, he is charged with armed robbery and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.
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