CHICAGO — A violent shooting inside a South Side business Saturday afternoon left one man dead, two others injured, and a 6-year-old child wounded by flying glass, prompting another active investigation in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the shooting occurred just before 4 p.m. in the 800 block of East 63rd Street, when two armed individuals walked into the business and opened fire on the people inside.
Gunmen Open Fire Inside Local Business
The 31-year-old male victim was shot multiple times and rushed to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released his identity as family notifications are pending.
Two other victims survived the attack:
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A 25-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was reported in good condition at the hospital.
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A male of unknown age suffered a graze wound and reportedly transported himself to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
In a particularly disturbing turn, a 6-year-old boy was also hurt in the incident — not by gunfire, but by broken glass caused during the attack. He was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.
No Suspects in Custody Yet
As of Saturday evening, no suspects had been taken into custody. Area One detectives are actively investigating the shooting, reviewing surveillance footage and speaking to potential witnesses. It remains unclear whether the attack was targeted or random.
The identities of the shooters have not been released, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The Chicago Police Department has also asked nearby businesses to assist by providing any camera footage from the time of the incident.
Community Shock and Frustration
This shooting marks yet another act of violence in Woodlawn — a neighborhood already grappling with a wave of recent gun crimes. The presence of a child among the injured has intensified public frustration, with residents once again demanding stronger safety measures in public spaces and neighborhood businesses.
“The fact that a little boy got hurt in all this is heartbreaking,” said a local shop owner who asked to remain anonymous. “People are scared. It’s like nowhere is safe anymore.”
Rising Concerns in South Side Communities
Gun violence continues to take a heavy toll across Chicago’s South Side. While police and city leaders have emphasized increased patrols and violence prevention funding, critics argue that results have been uneven, and more needs to be done — particularly when shootings occur in broad daylight in public businesses.
This latest tragedy raises several urgent questions:
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Are local businesses equipped with sufficient security systems?
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What strategies are in place to prevent gun violence from escalating further in family-heavy neighborhoods like Woodlawn?
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How can community-led safety initiatives be better supported?
What You Can Do
The city urges residents to report any information about the shooters by contacting Area One detectives or submitting anonymous tips to CPD Tip Line or Crime Stoppers.
Residents are also encouraged to attend the next Woodlawn neighborhood safety meeting, where local officials and police will discuss crime trends and prevention efforts.
Have you or your loved ones been affected by public violence in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts or experiences with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com to help bring awareness and push for meaningful change in our communities.
