14-Year-Old Killed in Chicago Shooting During Teen Takeover

URGENT UPDATE: A 14-year-old boy has been tragically killed in a shooting incident in downtown Chicago during a chaotic gathering dubbed a “teen takeover.” The victim, identified as Armani Floyd, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital at 10:59 p.m. on Friday.

This shocking violence unfolded as part of two separate shootings that left eight others injured. Chicago Police confirmed that Floyd was found lying in the street at 140 S. Dearborn St., alongside another teenager, after gunfire erupted in the area. Eyewitness video footage captured large crowds dispersing suddenly as shots rang out.

In a separate incident, just minutes earlier, an unidentified suspect fired into a crowd of teenagers outside the Chicago Theatre on the 100 block of North State Street, injuring seven teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. Those victims were taken to local hospitals in good and fair condition, with some suffering graze wounds and others suffering gunshot wounds to their legs.

Chicago’s Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled Floyd’s death a homicide. “No parent wants to get that terrible, life-altering call,” said Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson on Saturday morning, addressing the community’s grief. “It is senseless violence like these shootings that makes us all feel unsafe, and it has left too many families in Chicago reeling.”

Authorities have indicated that both shootings are connected to a planned “teen takeover” event that was circulated widely on social media days prior. Reports suggest that teens from as far away as Dolton and Evanston traveled to downtown Chicago following the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Millennium Park. Some social media videos even warned attendees to avoid the Loop due to the anticipated influx of young people.

As of Sunday evening, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with either shooting. Police recovered several 9-mm casings and are actively investigating the series of events that led to this violence.

The community is left grappling with the aftermath of these devastating incidents, which have raised concerns over safety among families and residents. Local officials are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to restore peace and safety in downtown Chicago.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.