Thu Jul 03 21:10:22 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Four Dead, 14 Wounded in Chicago Mass Shooting Outside River North Lounge**

**Chicago, IL -** A mass shooting in Chicago’s River North neighborhood late Wednesday night has left four people dead and at least 14 others wounded, police confirmed. The incident occurred around 11:00 PM local time when gunmen opened fire from a vehicle on a crowd gathered outside a lounge on Chicago Avenue.

Police reported that 13 women and five men, ranging in age from 21 to 32, were struck by gunfire. Among the deceased are two men and two women. As of Thursday, at least three victims remain in critical condition at area hospitals.

According to authorities, the vehicle fled the scene immediately after the shooting. No arrests have been made. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is urging the public to submit anonymous tips to aid detectives in identifying the suspects.

Local media reports indicate that rapper Mello Buckzz, also known as Melanie Doyle, was hosting a private album release party at the Artis Lounge when the shooting occurred.

“Clearly, there was some target in some way,” Superintendent Snelling stated, suggesting the shooting was not random. He added that police are investigating the motive and that Artis Lounge will remain closed pending the investigation’s outcome. Police recovered casings from two different calibers of weapons and are reviewing surveillance footage.

Artis Lounge has confirmed their cooperation with authorities in the investigation.

Mello Buckzz expressed her grief and shock on social media, revealing that many of the victims were her friends and that she was in a relationship with one of those killed.

Chicago pastor Donovan Price described the scene as a “warzone,” recounting the “mayhem and blood and screaming and confusion” in the aftermath.

The shooting comes days before the Fourth of July weekend, a period typically associated with a rise in gun violence in major cities, including Chicago. While Chicago has seen an overall decrease in gun violence in recent years, the city experienced a particularly deadly Fourth of July weekend last year, with over 100 people shot and at least 19 fatalities.

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