CHICAGO — A deadly mass shooting outside a River North lounge that left 18 people shot and four dead has triggered fierce backlash from local officials, with Ald. Brendan Reilly calling for the venue’s permanent closure and accusing the owners of being “dishonest” with the city about their true intentions.
Deadly Drive-By Outside Artis Lounge
Te chaos unfolded late Wednesday night outside Artis Lounge, located at 311 West Chicago Avenue, where fans had gathered for a BYOB record release party hosted by local rapper Mello Buckzz.
According to CWB Chicago, shell casings from at least three different calibers were recovered, suggesting multiple shooters were involved. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the moment a car drove by and opened fire on attendees exiting the event.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims killed in the shooting as:
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Leon Andrew Henry, 25
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Aviance King, 27
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Taylor Walker, 26
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Devonte Williamson, 23
Rapper Mourns Victim, Gang Ties Alleged
Mello Buckzz, the performing artist, mourned the loss on social media, writing:
“I don’t wish this typa pain on nobody. damn my fucking crew… I’m so so sooo sorry.”
However, the incident may have deeper connections. Her Facebook page references a gang faction called No Limit Muskegon Boys, and internal Chicago police memos suggest the motive is “possibly gang-related.”
Repeat Tragedy at the Same Location
This is not the first time tragedy has struck this location. The space previously operated as Hush nightclub, which was shut down after a 2022 mass shooting that left three injured and one dead, also following a late-night party.
Despite these concerns, Artis Lounge reopened just weeks ago, touting itself as a “safe space” that was Black-, Brown-, Queer-, and Women-owned. Their Instagram statement addressed the violence:
“An act of violence occurred within the vicinity of our restaurant— and it shook us deeply… this moment is painful, but it only strengthens our commitment to holding space for those who need it most.”
Alderman Reilly: “They Misled the City”
Ald. Reilly (42nd Ward), who represents River North, issued a damning letter to constituents, calling for the immediate revocation of the lounge’s business license.
“Despite early assurances… the owners decided to turn over their venue to promote a new rap album release,” Reilly wrote.
“It is clear the new operators were dishonest with the City about their plans… and have now contributed to a devastating act of violence.”
Reilly said he and CPD would push the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Liquor Commissioner to ensure the venue never reopens.
Push for Nightclub Promoter Reform
This tragedy has renewed calls for stricter regulation of nightclub promoters, a long-standing concern for both Ald. Reilly and Ald. Waguespack. Reilly emphasized that too many club owners hand off their spaces to promoters with no accountability — a dynamic that has repeatedly ended in mass violence.
“We need real reforms to our liquor licensing process and regulations… this longstanding gap in city code puts our neighborhoods at risk,” Reilly stated.
Police Investigation and Public Call for Tips
The Chicago Police Department is continuing its investigation. A $10,000 reward is being offered by Cook County Crime Stoppers for information leading to arrests.
Tips can be submitted anonymously via CPDTIP.com or by calling 1-800-535-STOP.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by unsafe nightlife venues in Chicago? Share your experience in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice could help drive reform and accountability in our neighborhoods.
