In a tragic turn of events on Tuesday afternoon, November 5, 2024, two men, Peter Jennings, 51, and Lamont Antwon Johnson, 47, lost their lives in a targeted shooting by a former employee at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. The devastating incident unfolded at approximately 1:18 p.m. in a typically bustling area on the north side of Navy Pier, near an administrative office and loading dock. Initial reports from the Chicago Police Department reveal that the suspect, described as a disgruntled ex-employee, approached the loading dock area and opened fire, fatally striking Jennings and Johnson.
Timeline of Events: How the Tragedy Unfolded
The incident began on an otherwise routine afternoon, as tourists and workers carried on their daily activities at Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. The calm atmosphere quickly shattered as gunfire erupted near the loading dock area. According to the Chicago Police Department, the suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed at this time, arrived on the scene carrying a firearm, reportedly aiming at two former colleagues, Peter Jennings and Lamont Antwon Johnson. Both men were shot multiple times, succumbing to their injuries shortly after.
Eyewitnesses describe a sudden commotion as workers and visitors scrambled for cover. Navy Pier employee Ethan Ramirez, who was nearby at the time, recounted the shock and panic: “I heard three or four shots and then saw people running. Everyone was confused at first, and then we realized what was happening and just tried to get to safety.” Another witness stated that the suspect seemed focused and purposeful as he moved through the area, bypassing other workers to reach the loading dock where the two men were stationed.
Response by Law Enforcement and Emergency Services
Emergency services were immediately alerted, with Chicago Police officers and paramedics arriving on the scene within minutes. Paramedics quickly transported Jennings and Johnson to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where, tragically, they were pronounced dead from their injuries. The Chicago Police Department issued an immediate statement offering condolences to the families of the victims and assuring the public that a thorough investigation was underway.
Upon arrival, the police initiated a full lockdown of Navy Pier, evacuating visitors and securing the area to ensure the safety of bystanders. Officers set up a perimeter around the north side of the pier, where they conducted a search for the suspect. As of this report, the Chicago Police have identified a “person of interest” connected to the incident, though he is not believed to be in the immediate area. Preliminary details from police scanner traffic suggest that the suspect may have been wearing a white chef’s uniform and a white mask during the attack. This description aligns with reports that the individual once worked in the culinary department at Navy Pier.
The Victims: Remembering Peter Jennings and Lamont Antwon Johnson
Peter Jennings and Lamont Antwon Johnson, both longstanding employees of Navy Pier, were well-known figures among their colleagues and community. Jennings, 51, had worked at Navy Pier for over a decade, starting as a maintenance worker and later advancing to an administrative role. His colleagues remember him as a dependable, kind-hearted individual with a strong work ethic and a dedication to his family. Johnson, 47, a supervisor in the operations department, had earned a reputation for his supportive leadership style and commitment to fostering a positive work environment. Friends and family members recall him as a devoted father and a cherished friend who always went out of his way to help others.
A fellow worker, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that Jennings and Johnson had recently expressed concerns about workplace safety following an incident with the suspect before his employment was terminated. It remains unclear if this altercation played a direct role in the shooting, but Chicago Police have confirmed they are exploring all leads, including potential grievances held by the suspect.
Employee Testimonies: Navy Pier Staff Recall the Terrifying Moments
As news of the shooting spread, Navy Pier employees found themselves grappling with shock and fear. Many workers were evacuated, while others took cover in back rooms, unsure of the extent of the danger. Claire Henderson, a retail worker in a nearby gift shop, recalled how her manager received a phone call about the incident: “Our manager got a phone call and that’s how he found out what was going on. He started shutting all the lights down, he closed all the gates. We left all of our stuff on the floor… and then we all huddled in the back storage room. We had all the lights off and just kind of waited, hoping we’d get any kind of word on what was going on.”
Another employee, Jordan Hayes, who worked alongside Johnson, expressed disbelief at the loss: “Antwon was the backbone of our team. He treated us like family, always looking out for us. It’s hard to believe something like this could happen to him here.”
Navy Pier Security Measures and Temporary Closure
Navy Pier, a prominent Chicago landmark, attracts millions of visitors each year. Given the high profile of the location, security measures at the pier include surveillance cameras, private security personnel, and collaboration with local law enforcement. However, Tuesday’s tragic incident has raised concerns about internal safety, particularly concerning the protocols for handling disgruntled former employees.
Following the shooting, Navy Pier was temporarily closed as police and investigators worked to secure and analyze the scene. Officials asked visitors to avoid the area while detectives gathered evidence. The temporary closure is expected to continue until officials conclude that the area is fully secured, with a planned reopening pending further updates from the Chicago Police Department.
Investigation and Search for the Suspect
As of this report, detectives are actively searching for the former employee, whom authorities have labeled a “person of interest.” The suspect, described in police scanner traffic as wearing a white mask and a chef’s uniform, is believed to have left the vicinity of Navy Pier shortly after the attack. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as they continue their search across Chicago.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, but initial interviews with Navy Pier employees suggest that the suspect may have held a grudge following his recent termination. Police have not yet confirmed the specific reasons for his departure but are exploring whether any past grievances may have contributed to the tragic events of Tuesday afternoon.
Public and Official Reactions
The city of Chicago and its residents were shaken by the news of the deadly shooting at Navy Pier, a location typically associated with joy, family gatherings, and scenic views of Lake Michigan. Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement expressing his condolences to the victims’ families, calling the incident “a tragic reminder of the need for workplace safety and mental health support.” The Mayor pledged to work closely with law enforcement agencies to review current security protocols at high-traffic areas like Navy Pier to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Chicago Police Department also held a press conference, where Chief of Police Derek Lawson spoke on the impact of the incident: “This is a tragic day for our city. We are committed to seeking justice for Peter Jennings and Lamont Antwon Johnson and will do everything in our power to bring the suspect to justice. Our thoughts are with their families during this difficult time.
A Tragic Loss for the Community
As Chicago mourns, the families of Peter Jennings and Lamont Antwon Johnson are left grappling with unimaginable loss. Both men were cherished members of their communities, known for their kindness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family. Friends and colleagues remember them as dedicated professionals who contributed much to Navy Pier and its operations.
The tragic shooting has left many calling for additional measures to ensure safety at public venues. Navy Pier officials have expressed intentions to review security policies to better protect employees and visitors. In the coming days, a vigil is expected to be held in honor of Jennings and Johnson, providing an opportunity for the community to come together to remember their lives and contributions.
