Gunfire interrupted a Juneteenth celebration in Illinois on Sunday, leading to 23 injured and one dead.
During a press conference, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Eric Swanson gave minimal detail due to the ongoing investigation and because there are many unknown details on the investigators’ parts.
What’s certain is that hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Juneteenth at a Willowbrook strip mall’s parking lot — approximately 23 miles west of Chicago. The shooting developed around 12:30 a.m.
Police immediately transported victims to multiple area hospitals while other victims transported themselves to nearby medical facilities.
Swanson stated that they couldn’t say whether or not the suspect acted alone, but they have confirmed that no arrests have been made. And they haven’t identified any victims.
A couple of witnesses stated people began ducking and scattering around to avoid the shower of gunfire.
“It was supposed to be like a Juneteenth celebration; we just started hearing shooting, so we dropped down until they stopped. They just kept going. After that, we literally scattered away,” Markeshia Avery explained to WLS-TV.
A witness named Arielle took to TikTok to confirm she was one of the victims, showing her in a hospital with a tube in her nose and bandages on her stomach.
“God is real. I don’t believe he’ll take me through anything I can’t handle… But Saturday, 6-17, I was one of 22 people shot… I’m still alive. Pain is at a 20, but I’m here,” she wrote in the caption.
@amoneyy23God Is Real , I Dont Believe He’ll Take Me Through Anything I Cant Handle … But Saturday 6-17 i was one of 22 people shot .. IM STILL ALIVE ??? Pain is at a 20 but im here♬ original sound – fxckyohxmie_hedead
Videos showed moments before the shooting, where crowds flooded the parking lot and gathered directly in front of the shops. The footage revealed participants dancing and rapping to the music before cutting to after the shooting, where ambulances surround the area, and police converse with witnesses.
Mass Shooting – Willowbrook, Illinois
At least 20 shot, 1 fatally, in Willowbrook after Juneteenth celebration turns violent. pic.twitter.com/aJy3TvWwuZ
— NVN | Now Video Network (@NowVideoNetwork) June 18, 2023
Police haven’t revealed a motive and asked the public for help in the investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the events that took place here early Sunday morning, and we are working around the clock to bring those responsible to justice,” DCSO said in a statement.
Those with any information can contact DCSO at (630) 407-2343. Anyone with videos, photos or anything can click here to upload any helpful evidence.
We’ll be passing out this flyer tonight near Hinsdale Lake Terrace in Willlowbrook, but in case you’re not there and you know something or saw something, this message is for you! pic.twitter.com/uFAQyG626v
— DuPage County Sheriff’s Office (@DuPageSheriff) June 19, 2023
