URGENT UPDATE: A 14-year-old boy has been identified as the victim of a tragic shooting in downtown Chicago during a chaotic night that left multiple individuals injured. Armani Floyd succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m. Friday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
This shocking incident occurred amid a series of shootings linked to a social media-driven “teen takeover” event. Floyd was found alongside another victim at 140 S. Dearborn St. after an earlier shooting that also left an 18-year-old man in serious condition with a leg injury.
The violence unfolded less than an hour after an unidentified suspect opened fire into a crowd of teenagers outside the Chicago Theatre on the 100 block of North State Street, wounding seven individuals aged between 13 and 17. Witnesses reported seeing large crowds in the area before chaos erupted, with police recovering multiple 9-mm casings from both locations.
“We are devastated. No parent wants to get that terrible, life-altering call,” stated Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during an unrelated event Saturday morning. He emphasized the impact of such senseless violence, which leaves families in turmoil and communities feeling unsafe.
Police confirmed that both shootings are believed to be connected to the “teen takeover” event that had circulated on social media in the days leading up to the violence. Authorities reported that teenagers traveled from as far as Dolton and Evanston to join the gathering after the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Millennium Park.
Videos circulating on social media warned attendees to avoid the Loop due to the potential for violence, highlighting the serious risks associated with these gatherings.
As of Sunday evening, no suspects have been taken into custody in connection with either shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The emotional toll of these events is palpable, with Floyd’s tragic death serving as a stark reminder of the increasing violence impacting Chicago’s youth. Community leaders and activists are calling for urgent action to address the root causes of such tragic incidents.
As this story develops, we will continue to provide updates on the investigation and any further details surrounding these alarming events. Stay tuned for more breaking news.
