Tragedy in Chicago: Seven People Shot in July 4th Mass Shooting on South Justine Street
CHICAGO, IL — July 4, 2025 — A night meant for celebration turned into a horrific tragedy in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood when seven people were shot in a mass shooting late Friday night.
The violence unfolded just after 11:00 p.m. on July 4th in the 5400 block of South Justine Street, an area where residents had gathered for Independence Day festivities. What started as a joyful community evening quickly descended into terror as gunfire rang out, sending people running for cover and leaving multiple victims wounded.
Journalist Kyle Mazza reported live from the scene, where ambulances and Chicago police units flooded the area in response to the shooting. Victims were treated on-site and rushed to local hospitals. As of Saturday morning, their conditions remain unknown, and authorities have not released their names.
Police confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Officers spent hours combing through the scene, gathering shell casings and speaking with frightened witnesses who had been nearby when the shooting started.
The Back of the Yards community is no stranger to hardship, but residents say this tragedy has left them shaken. “We were just trying to enjoy the holiday with our families. Then this happened,” said one local resident who asked not to be named. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Friday night’s shooting is just the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Chicago this summer, drawing renewed attention to the city’s ongoing battle with gun violence. Local leaders are calling for immediate action and community support to stop the bloodshed.
“This isn’t just another headline. These are real people, real lives shattered,” said a community advocate Saturday morning. “We can’t keep living like this. Something has to change.”
The Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward by calling Area One detectives or contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-535-STOP.
As the city mourns and waits for more details, families are holding onto hope and praying for the recovery of those injured.
More updates will follow as new information becomes available.