CHICAGO — A chilling social media video posted just moments before a deadly mass shooting in River North is drawing widespread scrutiny after it showed individuals outside a Chicago nightclub flashing gang signs and using loaded language.
The shooting left 18 people wounded, including four who died, outside Artis Lounge at 311 West Chicago Avenue late Wednesday night.
Gang Signs Caught On Livestream Moments Before Gunfire
Footage from a TikTok livestream by user @globaltrap_ captured a crowd gathered outside Artis Lounge around 11 p.m. following a record release party hosted by South Side rapper Mello Buckzz (real name: Melanie Doyle).
As the camera panned across the sidewalk, a man in the video is heard shouting, “That’s blood! That’s blood! You know. Whole lotta gang s***,” while several others made gang-related hand gestures.
Moments later, gunmen inside a dark-colored sedan opened fire on the crowd.
Tragic Aftermath: Victims Identified
A second video obtained by reporters showed graphic scenes of multiple individuals lying lifeless on the sidewalk and gutter after the shooting. Police have not released that video due to its graphic nature.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased 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 Mello Buckzz posted on Instagram that both her new boyfriend and her best friend were among the victims.
Online Reactions Highlight Dangers Of Posting Real-Time Locations
TikTok commenters offered a mix of warnings and interpretations. One popular comment read: “Never post where u are till you’ve left,” while another added, “I don’t post nun about where I’m at or was til the next morning.”
Others defended the people in the video, arguing the language and gestures were being misread:
“‘Blood’ means family to us,” wrote one user.
“Y’all don’t get it — Chicago different,” said another.
Gang Ties, Permitting Controversy, and City Response
A CPD bulletin described the shooting as “possibly gang related.” Mello Buckzz’s Facebook reportedly contains references to the No Limit Muskegon Boys, a known Chicago gang faction.
The shooting is the second mass shooting outside Artis Lounge since 2022.
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) slammed the lounge owners, accusing them of misleading the city during permit applications. He claimed they had promised a safe, inclusive, artisan-focused space but instead hosted BYOB rap events that led to violence.
“This tragic incident proves we need real reforms in our liquor licensing process,” Reilly said. He is now calling for the permanent closure of the venue.
In response, Artis Lounge’s management issued a statement saying the violence occurred “within the vicinity” of their restaurant and emphasized their commitment to creating safe space for marginalized communities.
Police Shut Down Venue, Public Urged to Help
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling issued a summary closure order, requiring Artis Lounge to present a detailed operational plan before reopening.
With no arrests made, the investigation is ongoing. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for tips that help solve the case.
Anonymous tips can be submitted via CPDTIP.com or by calling 1-800-535-STOP.
Have you witnessed unsafe conditions near late-night venues in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts in the comments — ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com wants to hear from you.
