A Chicago alderman is calling on Police Superintendent Larry Snelling to take immediate action by shutting down a Gold Coast nightclub following an overnight shooting that left four individuals injured on the Division Street entertainment corridor early Friday morning.
“Reports suggest that the assailants were targeting a specific individual or group of patrons at Gold Coast Social, located at 7 West Division Street,” Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) stated in a morning email to his constituents.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:48 a.m. at the intersection of State and Dearborn streets, an area renowned for its lively nightlife for many years. Interestingly, over 30 Chicago police officers, primarily probationary officers, were already present in the vicinity when the shooting erupted from a moving vehicle.
Initial reports indicate that officers spotted a gray Acura CL and a black SUV, suspected to be a Jeep Grand Cherokee, racing south on State Street from Division shortly before 3:31 a.m. Witnesses reported seeing these vehicles circling the neighborhood several times prior to the gunfire.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the shooting originated from the Acura, which subsequently fled alongside the black SUV, entering the expressway shortly afterward via the Ontario Feeder Ramp.
Hopkins noted that surveillance footage captured significant altercations occurring near the nightclub before the shooting. He has urged for the immediate closure of Gold Coast Social and indicated his intention to seek a permanent revocation of its license should investigators find a link to the violent incident.
A police supervisor at the scene confirmed that no officers discharged their weapons during the occurrence, with only one officer reporting that they pointed a gun at anyone. Authorities do not believe police were the intended targets.
As of Friday morning, all four shooting victims were reported to be stable or had already been discharged from the hospital. Police recovered over 25 shell casings from both a firearm and a long gun at the incident scene.
Below is an excerpt from Hopkins’ email to constituents:
Dear Neighbors,
At about 3:48 a.m. this morning, four individuals were injured in a drive-by shooting near Dearborn and Division. Fortunately, all are in stable condition or have been released from the hospital. Footage from police cameras shows that shots were fired from a gray Acura sedan, which then fled south on Dearborn. Over 25 shell casings from both handguns and a long gun were recovered and cataloged by the police. Unfortunately, a License Plate Reader (LPR) near the scene could not identify the vehicle, as it was unregistered.
Detectives from Area 3 are conducting an extensive investigation to track the fleeing vehicle despite the lack of license plates.
Reports indicate that the shooters were specifically targeting an individual or group associated with Gold Coast Social, located at 7 W Division St (not all of whom sustained injuries during the shooting). Surveillance also shows significant fights breaking out near the club prior to the shooting. As the investigation unfolds, I have formally requested Superintendent Snelling to impose a summary closure on Gold Coast Social nightclub. Below is a copy of that request.
As I have often emphasized, I strongly advocate against the increase of late-hour tavern licenses due to ongoing quality of life issues they generate. This particular establishment has previously faced summary closures and has previously agreed to a voluntary shutdown.
While I do not possess the authority to unilaterally revoke liquor licenses, I will assure that any connection between the establishment’s operations and violent behavior will be addressed swiftly. Late-night disturbances are detrimental to our neighborhood, and I am committed to tackling the toxic environment caused by a small number of operators.
Below is the text of Hopkins’ letter to Superintendent Snelling:
Superintendent Snelling:
In light of the drive-by shooting that injured four individuals early Friday morning, October 17, 2025, on the 1100 N block of Dearborn in Gold Coast, I request your consideration for a summary closure of the liquor establishment that appears to be connected to this violent event.
Evidence, including surveillance and social media activity, indicates this was not an arbitrary act of violence but potentially a targeted incident aimed at a club promoter associated with Gold Coast Social at 7 W. Division St. Furthermore, both surveillance footage and witness statements confirm that substantial fights were occurring just prior to the shooting.
In order to ensure the safety of nearby residents, I request that a summary closure be initiated while the investigation is underway.
Should a connection be made between the liquor establishment and this violent act, I will pursue the permanent revocation of its license with the Liquor Control Commissioner.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
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