A night meant for music and celebration ended in horror on Wednesday night when gunfire erupted outside a popular Chicago nightclub, leaving at least three people dead and 16 others wounded.

”A targeted attack”
According to CBS, the mass shooting happened just before midnight in the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, right outside Artis Lounge in the city’s River North neighborhood. According to officials, the violence broke out shortly after an album release party for local rapper Mello Buckzz wrapped up.

Police say the gunfire came from a drive-by shooter who opened fire on the crowd as partygoers were leaving the venue.

“This was a targeted attack,” said a city official, who confirmed 19 people were shot in total, including the three who were killed.

Chris King, a spokesperson for Northwestern Medicine, confirmed that multiple victims from the shooting were being treated in the emergency department. However, he said he couldn’t share how many had been brought in or provide details on their conditions.

Chicago Police Officer Julio Garcia said more information would be shared with the public as it becomes available.

Same block, same tragedy
Tragically, this isn’t the first time blood has been spilled on that very block. According to CBS, a shooting also took place at the same location in November 2022, when the club was known as Hush Lounge.

That incident left one person dead and three injured after a fight involving a group that had been kicked out of the club. The city later shut down Hush Lounge, and Artis Lounge took over the space.

Authorities are now investigating whether Wednesday’s shooting is connected to any previous incidents or local gang activity. No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning.

This latest tragedy has once again raised concerns about nightlife safety and gun violence in Chicago, especially in areas already scarred by past shootings.