18 Shot, 4 Killed in River North Drive‑By Outside Artis Lounge

At around 11 p.m. on July 2, a dark vehicle pulled up to Artis Restaurant & Lounge in Chicago’s River North (300 W. Chicago Ave.), where an album release party for rapper Mello Buckzz was winding down. Individuals inside the car opened fire at the exiting crowd, firing dozens of rounds and swiftly driving away.([turn0search2][turn0search3][turn0search6])

Casualties & Injuries

• 4 fatalities: Two men (ages 24 and 25) and two women were pronounced dead at hospitals, including Stroger and Northwestern.([turn0search2][turn0search6])
• 14 wounded: Victims ranged from 21 to 32 years old. Among them:
  • 4 critical (multiple gunshot wounds to torso and face),
  • 1 serious,
  • 10 in good to fair condition across nearby hospitals including Mount Sinai, Stroger, Illinois Masonic, and Northwestern.
• First responders discovered scattered shell casings inside and outside the venue, acting swiftly to secure and treat the scene.
• Authorities are investigating whether multiple shooters were involved, according to local reports. No arrests have been made so far.

A community resource worker on scene described the scene as “chaotic,” stating victims were shot as they exited the lounge. Another witness said, “I’m traumatized, I’m just shook.”

The same location previously housed Hush nightclub, which was shut down in 2022 after a deadly drive-by incident. Artis Lounge took over the address in April 2025—with this being its first major violence since opening.