Chicago authorities have identified the 14-year-old boy killed in a downtown Loop shooting as Armani Floyd, following a chaotic night of violence that left several other teenagers wounded. The tragedy unfolded late Friday evening blocks from landmark attractions, sparking alarm across the city.
Events Unfold During “Teen Takeover” in the Loop
The shootings took place during what has been characterized as a “teen takeover” of the Loop, following a large gathering in Millennium Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting. According to Chicago police, the first outbreak of gunfire occurred around 9:50 p.m. outside the Chicago Theatre, where a crowd of mostly young people had assembled. In that incident, seven teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 suffered gunshot wounds, with most of their injuries described as leg wounds.
Less than an hour later and several blocks away, around 10:40 p.m., officers responding to reports of gunfire discovered two more victims in the 100 block of South Dearborn Street. Among them was Armani Floyd, who was struck multiple times, rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and later pronounced dead. The second victim, an 18-year-old man, was shot in the leg and remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Investigation and Community Response
No suspects have been arrested so far, and investigators from Area Three detectives are leading the probe. Meanwhile, authorities recovered five firearms during the unrest, though officials have stated that 18 arrests made that night were not connected to the shooting itself.
In response to the tragedy, Cook County Crime Stoppers immediately offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests in both shootings. The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation also announced a separate $5,000 reward specifically for details about Gucci’s killing.
Remembering Armani Floyd
Armani Floyd was known in his community as a talented and spirited young man. He played for Project sWISH, a nonprofit basketball program in Chicago, where his coach remembered him as “super funny, super competitive, great kid.” His family, reeling from the loss, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for his memorial service, describing him as “a loving son and an inseparable brother.”
Mayor, Officials Condemn the Violence
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, addressing the shooting on Saturday, decried the outbreak of violence as a stark reminder of the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. “This is the opposite type of behavior that anybody wants to see,” he said, calling for renewed efforts to reduce the flow of firearms and to engage young people in safer and more constructive ways.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy was conducted on Floyd. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to appeal to the public for help, urging anyone with information to come forward through Crime Stoppers or other official channels.
