CHICAGO — A shocking mass shooting during a post-prom celebration near a church on the South Side left seven teenagers injured early Sunday morning. Now, the church’s pastor is offering a $10,000 reward in hopes of catching those responsible.
The incident happened around 2 a.m. near the 1200 block of West 78th Street, just steps away from St. Sabina Church in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
What Police Say Happened
According to Chicago Police, a vehicle pulled up to a crowd of teens and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The teens were part of a large post-prom gathering in the area when the shooting took place.
- The gunfire struck seven male victims, all between the ages of 16 and 19.
- The Chicago Police Department’s Area Two detectives are leading the investigation.
- As of now, no suspects have been arrested and no motive has been publicly confirmed.
Victim Breakdown and Hospitalization
The victims were transported to several hospitals across the city. Here’s a breakdown of their conditions:
- A 17-year-old and an 18-year-old were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center with leg wounds.
- A 19-year-old, a 17-year-old, and another 18-year-old were treated at the University of Chicago Hospital for injuries to their leg, arm, and buttocks.
- An 18-year-old in serious condition was admitted to Little Company of Mary Medical Center with gunshot wounds to his chest and leg.
- A 17-year-old was taken to Holy Cross Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Most of the teens are reported to be in stable condition, but at least one remains seriously injured.
Community Leader Reacts with Anger
Reverend Michael Pfleger, senior pastor at St. Sabina, took to Facebook shortly after the shooting, visibly emotional and furious:
“This is personal. This is our territory. This is our ground… I’m angry and disgusted. I’m hurt, and I’m mad.”
He also criticized parenting and teen curfews:
“A 16-year-old should not be out here at 2 o’clock in the morning. What’s going to stop this is parents saying where the hell your kids are.”
Pfleger called on teens and parents alike to stop publicly sharing party locations on social media, warning it creates easy targets for violence.
$10,000 Reward Offered by St. Sabina
St. Sabina Church is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Pfleger emphasized:
“I want the people in that car caught. I want them in jail. We’re not just going to let this happen in our community.”
Who to Contact with Information
Authorities are asking anyone with knowledge of the incident or suspects to come forward. Here’s how you can help:
- Call Chicago Police Area Two detectives: 312-745-3610
- Contact St. Sabina Church directly: 773-483-4300
- Submit anonymous tips to CPD via the official tip line
Do you think the city is doing enough to keep teens safe at night? How should communities and parents respond to these rising incidents? Drop your thoughts in the comments section.
