Mass shooting mars Juneteenth celebration in gun-controlled Illinois.

Shooting at Juneteenth Celebration in Illinois Leaves 1 Dead and 20 Injured

A shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in Illinois left at least 20 people wounded and one dead. The incident occurred in Willowbrook, about 21 miles west of Chicago, according to CNN.

Witnesses described the event as a Juneteenth celebration that quickly turned chaotic when gunshots rang out. “We just started hearing shooting, so we dropped down until they stopped. They just kept going. After that, we literally scattered away,” said witness Markeshia Avery.

Another witness, Zaviar Sheikh, added, “We just heard gunshots; at first it was one, but then it was a whole bunch of gunshots. After then we started running like, ‘yo.’ I looked at my friend, and we took off, running like crazy.”

Witness footage from the aftermath of a Juneteenth shooting near Chicago, Illinois pic.twitter.com/XT186d56qJ

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) June 18, 2023

According to witnesses, the scene was chaotic and witnesses estimated hearing at least 100 gunshots in a span of 10 to 15 seconds.

The motive for the shooting is still unknown, and authorities are investigating the incident. The shooting took place despite Illinois having strict gun control laws, ranking as the eighth-strictest state in the nation, according to World Population Review.

Joe Ostrander, battalion chief of the Tri-State Fire Protection District, reported that at least 12 ambulances responded to the scene.

“Since Juneteenth has come about, we’ve been celebrating. And usually the sheriffs are out here with us. It’s very controlled, it’s peaceful,” said Nayetta Reed, who was at the event. “I don’t know what happened. I really don’t know what happened last night. It just went left. We’ll probably never do another one.”

The annual party, which typically catered to residents of nearby apartments, drew a larger crowd this year, including new participants.

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