2 women shot at Black Pride celebration
Photo: Kim Shine
Two women were shot at Montrose Beach in Chicago as people gathered in celebration of the city’s gay pride weekend.
One woman, 21, was shot in the shoulder. Another 48-year-old woman was shot in the arm and back.
Both were taken in serious condition to Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.
The shooting, in the 4500 block of North Simonds Drive, just west of the beach, took place shortly after 6 p.m., said Officer Veejay Zala, a police spokesman.
A DNAinfo Chicago reporter witnessed the aftermath of the shooting, which was near the Wilson Skate Park, while jogging.
One witness told the reporter there appeared to be an argument between two groups of people. One group walked away, and reportedly vowed to return. One witness, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, saw three young men run past her, then heard gunshots.
Hundreds of people were gathered at the park at the time of the shooting. Many were enjoying an afternoon of grilling and relaxation just a couple of hours after the 45th Annual Gay Pride Parade ended.
A friend of the 48-year-old woman told police she was not the shooter’s target and that they “were just hanging out.”
The city saw a string of shooting incidents, with 29 shot since Friday.
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