River North Mass Shooting in Chicago Turns Rapper’s Album Party Into Tragedy

A tragic night unfolded in Chicago's River North neighborhood as a mass shooting outside a restaurant claimed four lives and left 14 others wounded, shattering what was meant to be a celebratory evening for local rapper Mello Buckzz.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Wednesday night, just as guests were exiting Artis Restaurant and Lounge at 311 W. Chicago Ave., where an album release party for Mello Buckzz’s latest mixtape Hollyhood had taken place. A dark-colored vehicle pulled up and gunfire erupted from inside the car, striking multiple people in rapid succession. The assailants fled immediately after the shooting, and no arrests have been made so far.

Among those killed were Taylor Walker, 26, Aviance King, 27, Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, who was also Mello Buckzz’s partner. The rapper later confirmed the heartbreaking loss on Instagram, writing, “I don’t wish this typa pain on nobody,” while sharing a video of her and Williamson. One of her closest friends was also among the victims, she revealed in another post.

At least 14 others were injured in the incident. A 24-year-old woman shot in the back, a 25-year-old woman shot in the leg, and a 21-year-old woman shot in the mouth were all reported in critical condition. A 31-year-old woman who suffered multiple gunshot wounds was in serious condition, while the rest of the victims—men and women between 24 and 32 years old—were hospitalized in fair to good condition.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated during a press conference at City Hall that the restaurant was rented exclusively for the private event and was not open to the general public at the time. He emphasized that the shooting was not random, and investigators believe the venue was deliberately targeted.

"This was senseless and cowardly," said Mayor Brandon Johnson, expressing grief and concern over the continued gun violence in the city. Superintendent Snelling added, “They didn’t care who was struck. In a matter of seconds, they were able to shoot 18 people, taking four lives.”

Artis Restaurant and Lounge is located at the same address as a former nightclub that had also been shut down after a previous fatal mass shooting in 2022. In response to Wednesday's events, city officials issued a summary closure order, effectively shutting down the venue until further notice.

Footage shared online showed the lively party just before tragedy struck, with people dancing and celebrating inside the venue. Later clips captured the horrifying moment when the car drove by and opened fire, sending partygoers fleeing and scrambling for safety—some running toward the nearby Chicago Avenue Brown and Purple Line station.

Community activist Andrew Holmes, who was near the scene Thursday, joined efforts to assist police in identifying the shooters. According to Holmes, the suspects may have been driving a black Honda with 20-inch rims. He expressed concern that the attack might ignite a cycle of retaliation, urging the community to remain calm and work with authorities.

In the aftermath of one of the deadliest shootings in Chicago in recent years, Alderman Brendan Reilly called for the permanent closure of the restaurant, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how venues are regulated in high-traffic areas like River North.

This devastating event has once again raised alarm over the city's battle with gun violence, especially in nightlife zones that should offer joy, not danger. As investigations continue and families mourn, the city remains on edge, hoping justice will soon be served.