Chicago’s Christmas Tree Lighting Crowds Scatter as Back-to-Back Shootings Unfold [WATCH]

One person was killed and eight others were wounded Friday night in two separate shootings in Chicago’s Loop, occurring just hours after the city held its official Christmas tree lighting.

The incidents triggered widespread panic as crowds filled downtown for seasonal events.

The first shooting happened around 9:50 p.m. near State and Randolph streets, close to the Chicago Theatre.

Police on patrol heard gunfire directed into a large group of people, causing a stampede as attendees fled the area.

Seven victims, all teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17, were taken to Stroger Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital in fair to good condition.

Police have not released information regarding a motive, and no arrests had been made.

A second shooting took place approximately 30 minutes later near Adams and Dearborn, about four blocks from the first scene.

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Officers found an 18-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Another victim was transported to Northwestern Hospital and later died.

Alderman Brian Hopkins said on X that multiple officers were “attacked and injured with mace and stun guns,” noting that at least one was hospitalized.

Hopkins also reported that one gunshot victim suffered a life-threatening wound to the torso.

The shootings occurred during one of the busiest nights of the season.

JUST IN: At least 5 people shot after 300 teens started “rioting” following Chicago’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

“300 juveniles rioting in the Loop now, at least 5 victims shot, one critical with life threatening gunshot wound to torso,” said @AldermanHopkins.

“Multiple… pic.twitter.com/HT6HqAI6qH

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 22, 2025

Thousands of visitors were in Millennium Park for the city’s Christmas tree lighting and the opening night of Christkindlmarket.

Several attendees described the confusion that followed the gunfire.

One witness, Linda Dixon, told CBS News, “We’re coming out of the theater, and everybody just start running. We almost got knocked in the street.”

Another witness, Moe Akl, said, “I just heard a ping, and I’m like, ‘Oh, this is real.’ One guy hit the floor, and then I’m like, ok, let’s go.”

Chicago just lit the Christmas tree… and the city lit up with gunfire.

Seven teens shot. Bodies on the pavement. Sirens drowning out Christmas songs. And this is supposed to be “joy to the world.”

This is what happens when a city surrenders its streets to chaos… when… pic.twitter.com/akahPRV1ih

— A Gene Robinson (@AlBuffalo2nite) November 22, 2025

Chicago has experienced several high-profile violent incidents in recent months.

On Halloween night in Oak Park, a gunshot was fired during a large gathering of teenagers.

In August, one person was killed and five others wounded during a shooting at a party in the Austin neighborhood that drew hundreds of attendees after being advertised on social media.

Friday marked the second consecutive year in which holiday events in the Loop were impacted by gunfire.

Last November, a woman was shot near Macy’s during Christkindlmarket’s opening weekend.

Violence also disrupted holiday festivities in Concord, North Carolina on Friday night.

Gunfire broke out shortly before 7:30 p.m. during the city’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Union Street S near Corban Avenue.

Four people were shot; three were critically injured, and one was in stable condition.

All were transported to local hospitals.

Police later announced that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two suspects who knew one another.

Authorities identified 18-year-old Nasir Bostic as one of the shooters.

He remains hospitalized in critical condition and faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inciting a riot.

A juvenile suspect, also in critical condition, faces similar charges.

A third individual, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Bostic, was arrested and charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot.

Two additional 17-year-old victims sustained gunshot wounds.

One was discharged from the hospital, while the second remained in critical condition.

Representative Mark Harris commented on the incident on X, writing, “My team and I are closely monitoring the active situation involving a shooting in Concord, North Carolina, this evening. We are praying for the safety of our brave law enforcement officers, first responders, and everyone on the scene.”

My team and I are closely monitoring the active situation involving a shooting in Concord, North Carolina, this evening.

We are praying for the safety of our brave law enforcement officers, first responders, and everyone on the scene.

— Rep. Mark Harris (@RepMarkHarrisNC) November 22, 2025

Investigators in Concord have asked anyone with photos or videos from the scene to submit them to police.

Despite the shooting, city officials announced that Saturday’s parade and the Santa Scramble 5K would proceed as scheduled.