A night meant to celebrate the rising career of Chicago rapper Mello Buckzz ended in horror Wednesday night when a mass shooting outside her album release party left four people dead and 14 others injured. The violence erupted just after 11 p.m. outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge in the city’s River North neighborhood, where dozens had gathered for the launch of Buckzz’s new project, Hollyhood.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the assailants arrived in a dark-colored vehicle and opened fire into the crowd with both handguns and rifles. The barrage of bullets struck 18 people in total before the shooters fled the scene.
“This was a cowardly and senseless act of violence,” said Police Superintendent Larry Snelling during a Thursday morning press conference. “The shooters showed absolutely no regard for human life.”
Victims Identified
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the four people killed as:
- Leon Andrew Henry, 25
- Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23
- Taylor Walker, 26
- Aviance King, 27
All four victims were young adults with close ties to the community—and in some cases, to the artist herself.
Williamson, Mello Buckzz’s longtime partner, was remembered as a loving father to a two-year-old daughter. Walker, a hairstylist, was described by family as a nurturing sister who cared for her younger siblings and her mother. King was a close friend of Buckzz’s, frequently featured in her social media posts.
In a series of emotional tributes, Mello Buckzz mourned the loss of her loved ones, writing: “My handsomeeee man. My sistersss. All I can do is pray through this pain.”
A Familiar Scene of Violence
The site of the shooting, Artis Lounge, had only opened earlier this year but occupies the same address as a former club, Hush Lounge, which was shut down in 2022 after a deadly shooting.
City officials issued an emergency closure order for Artis on Thursday morning.
“We should never have allowed this establishment to reopen,” said Alderman Brendan Reilly, whose ward includes River North. “It was a tragedy waiting to happen.”
Reilly and other city leaders are now calling for stricter oversight of BYOB venues and late-night event spaces that operate under restaurant licenses to avoid tighter nightclub regulations.
Investigation Underway
As of Thursday evening, no arrests had been made. Police say they believe at least three shooters were involved and are investigating whether the incident is gang-related.
“We’re reviewing surveillance footage, collecting evidence, and pursuing all leads,” Superintendent Snelling said. “We need the community’s help. If you saw something or have video, please come forward.”
The attack is being treated as a coordinated ambush. Investigators recovered dozens of shell casings, including rifle rounds, from both inside and outside the venue.
Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the violence and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
“This was a deliberate act of terror in our community,” the mayor said. “We will not rest until justice is served.”
A City in Mourning
Across the city, tributes poured in for the victims. A balloon release was held for Taylor Walker at her former high school, where classmates and friends remembered her as “a light in every room.” Williamson’s family described him as “protective, funny, and full of life.”
Community activist Pastor Donovan Price, who arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, said, “This wasn’t just a mass shooting. It was a massacre. People were running, bleeding, screaming. The pain in that moment was unimaginable.”
What Comes Next
- Increased Police Presence: Officials announced stepped-up patrols in River North and other high-traffic areas during the holiday weekend to prevent potential retaliatory violence.
- Review of Licensing Laws: City council members are expected to meet in the coming days to propose reforms around late-night events operating under restaurant permits.
- Ongoing Investigation: The Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact their tip line or submit anonymous reports.
As the city reels from yet another mass shooting, residents, artists, and public officials alike are calling for unity, justice, and a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of gun violence in Chicago.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department or submit tips anonymously through CPD’s tip portal.
