What Happened

What Happened

• When & Where: Late evening on July 2, 2025, around 11 p.m. CDT, outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge (formerly Hush Lounge) in the River North neighborhood of Chicago abc7chicago.com+15pitchfork.com+15ew.com+15.

• The attack: A dark-colored vehicle pulled up, and multiple shooters opened fire into the crowd exiting the party pbs.org+15pitchfork.com+15the-independent.com+15.

• Casualties: Four people—two men (ages 24 & 25) and two women (ages 26 & 27)—were killed. Fourteen others, aged 21–32, were injured, with at least three critically wounded the-independent.com+4theguardian.com+4people.com+4.

Victim Details

• The deceased included two women (one identified as Taylor Walker, 26) and two young men (identified as Leon Andrew Henry, 25, and Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23) nbcchicago.com+15theguardian.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15.

• Among the injured were Mello Buckzz’s boyfriend and her best friend, who were among the fatalities and wounded, respectively abc7chicago.com+15ew.com+15pitchfork.com+15.

Mello Buckzz’s Response

• Actress‑turned‑rapper Mello Buckzz (birth name Melanie Doyle, 24) took to Instagram, expressing heartbreak and calling for prayers for her “sisters” and crew. She shared emotional tributes to her lost loved ones: “My heart broke into so many pieces,” she said revolt.tv+5ew.com+5the-independent.com+5.

Context & Investigation

• The venue, Artis, was marketed as a safe, inclusive space for Black, LGBTQ+, and allied communities. It has been closed by police order following the shooting the-independent.com+7washingtonpost.com+7nbcchicago.com+7.

• Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling described the act as “cowardly,” noted that multiple calibers were used, and called for public assistance. No arrests have been announced en.wikipedia.org+5washingtonpost.com+5apnews.com+5.

• This wasn’t the first violent incident at the site—its previous iteration, Hush Lounge, was shut in 2022 after a fatal shooting pitchfork.com.

Community & Official Reaction

• Witnesses recalled a “chaotic, war-zone” scene with blood and grief as people rushed to safety theguardian.com+1apnews.com+1.

• Pastor Donovan Price, a local community responder, recounted the utter chaos of the aftermath pbs.org+2theguardian.com+2the-independent.com+2.

• Mayor Brandon Johnson announced increased police presence over the Fourth of July weekend to prevent further violence en.wikipedia.org+3apnews.com+3pbs.org+3.

🔍 What’s Next

• Investigators are analyzing shell casings (some from handguns and rifles), collecting video, and pursuing leads saharareporters.com.

• No suspects have been detained yet, and motives—whether targeted or gang-related—are still under investigation .

• The community is being urged to share any tips: “Come forward,” said the police apnews.com.

• Artis Lounge remains closed, and the city is considering future restrictions on nightclub operations at the location ew.com+15washingtonpost.com+15nbcchicago.com+15.

In Remembrance

• Among the four killed were dedicated young adults: a 26‑year‑old hairstylist, a health care worker, and two male friends of Mello Buckzz nbcchicago.com+15abc7chicago.com+15pitchfork.com+15.

• Mello Buckzz honored them in heartfelt Instagram posts:

  “I can’t believe I lost both y’all in one night… My heart tore into so many pieces.” nbcchicago.com+11revolt.tv+11washingtonpost.com+11the-independent.com+2ew.com+2the-independent.com+2

Summary: A tragic mass shooting outside the Artis Lounge in Chicago during Mello Buckzz’s album release party resulted in four deaths and 14 injuries. The rap community, local officials, and survivors are in shock. With no arrests yet and motives unclear, the investigation is ongoing as the city mobilizes for safety.