WILLOWBROOK, Ill. (CBS) – Police are investigating after one person was killed and 22 others were hurt in a mass shooting in southwest suburban Willowbrook early Sunday morning.
The shooting happened around 12:30 a.m. during a Juneteenth celebration among teens and young adults.
CBS 2’s Asal Rezaei reported from the scene where DuPage County police say a crowd gathered for a party in a parking lot in the vicinity of Hinsdale Lake Terrace at Honeysuckle Lane and Route 83 in Willowbrook. Police were already in the area monitoring the scene since 6 p.m.
Around 12:25 a.m., police were called away due to an alleged 911 call of a fight that had broken out nearby. As deputies responded, they heard gunshots and immediately returned to the gathering. There, an unknown number of suspects fired multiple rounds into the crowd, according to police.
One person was killed, and 22 others were wounded as a result of the shooting. Several others were also hurt in an attempt to run from the area. The victims are being treated at several area hospitals, police said.
Witnesses say a car drove up and someone in the passenger side began opening fire. Between 20 to 30 gunshots were fired into a crowd of over 200 teens and young adults who were gathered for what is usually a fun and safe time.
Debris and some trash were left behind in the aftermath. A dozen ambulances were also on the scene.
Shardaa Gray
Shardaa Gray
One woman says she was scared for her life.
“I got kids to come back home to. I’m not used to this. I wasn’t expecting it, but you just never know. Anything can happen anywhere,” she said.
Another man who attended the event said he heard a lot of gunshots.
“Anything could’ve happened. It was a lot of people out, we were all having a good time but, you know,” he said.
The ages and conditions of the victims are unknown. There is no word on a possible motive.
Congressman Sean Casten released a statement in response to the shooting:
“I’m heartbroken to see the news from Willowbrook this morning. We live in a tragic reality where you cannot go to school, go to the grocery store, go to your place of worship, or celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July or Juneteenth without fear of being shot. Change is needed – we cannot allow this to be the status quo.
I’m thankful for the first responders who attended to the victims last night and will continue to work with local authorities to stay updated on the situation.”
Detectives are conducting interviews with all the victims and witnesses, and are reviewing camera footage from the area – including video from the cell phones of attendees.
Businesses and the area of where the shooting occurred will remain closed until further notice.
No one is in custody.
