Officials have reported that an unknown number of individuals used multiple weapons to open fire at a Juneteenth celebration in Willowbrook, Illinois.
In southwest suburban Willowbrook, Illinois, at least 23 people were shot and one was killed in the early hours of Sunday morning.
he shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Route 83 near Honeysuckle Rose Lane, according to Battalion Chief Joe Ostrander of the Tri-State Fire Protection District.
Battalion Chief Joe Ostrander stated that some of the victims transported themselves to hospitals, while others were taken by emergency medical workers. He did not disclose the ages or conditions of the victims.
Chief Swanson stated that the motive for the shooting remained unclear. The types of firearms used in the incident were also unknown. As of now, no suspects have been taken into custody.
According to the woman, as the shooting began, panic ensued, and people started running. She recalled a man falling on top of her with a gunshot wound to his leg. She described the situation as something unimaginable.
Other witnesses also described the chaotic scene.
“It was supposed to be like a Juneteenth celebration; 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 said.
“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,” said Zaviar Sheikh.
Juneteenth is an annual celebration observed on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s as a symbol of freedom and a reminder of the struggles and achievements of Black Americans.
In 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, further acknowledging its significance in American history.