Chicago, IL – In a disturbing act of violence that unfolded on Sunday morning, December 8, 2024, a Venezuelan migrant became the latest victim of gun violence in Chicago. The shooting occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. near the intersection of 74th Street and Phillips Avenue, an area located in the South Shore neighborhood that has struggled with incidents of gun-related crime in recent years. The victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed by law enforcement, was struck multiple times in the back and chest by gunfire. First responders rushed the individual to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where they are undergoing emergency medical treatment for life-threatening injuries.
The attack was reportedly carried out by five individuals firing from inside a gray sedan, which witnesses described as possibly being a Kia or Honda. The vehicle sped away from the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving behind shell casings and a shaken community. Authorities are currently combing through surveillance footage from nearby residences and businesses, hoping to identify the vehicle and track its movements before and after the incident. Detectives from the Chicago Police Department’s (CPD) Area Two division are leading the investigation, with assistance from federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack may have been targeted, though police have not disclosed any information about a potential motive or whether the victim was specifically known to the assailants. Sources close to the investigation indicated that the incident may be related to an ongoing dispute involving individuals in the area, but this remains unconfirmed as detectives work to piece together the facts.
The shooting has sparked outrage and concern among residents of the South Shore community, who are grappling with yet another instance of violence in their neighborhood. Residents like Michael Johnson, a long-time community organizer, expressed frustration with the persistent threat of gun violence and its impact on the area’s most vulnerable populations. “This is a tragedy that didn’t have to happen. People come here looking for safety and opportunity, and instead, they’re met with violence,” Johnson said. “We need real solutions, and we need them now—more resources, more accountability, and more investment in our communities.”
The victim, a Venezuelan migrant who is believed to have arrived in Chicago within the past year, represents a growing number of individuals seeking refuge in the city amid a broader humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Venezuela. The South American nation has faced years of economic collapse, political turmoil, and widespread violence, driving many to flee their homes in search of stability and safety abroad. For many migrants and asylum seekers, Chicago has become a destination due to its reputation as a welcoming city and its network of community organizations that provide support to new arrivals. However, the incident on 74th Street highlights the harsh realities many migrants face as they navigate unfamiliar and often dangerous environments in their pursuit of a better life.
This shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have plagued Chicago over the past several weeks, prompting renewed calls for action from city leaders, activists, and residents alike. Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the incident during a press briefing later that day, extending his sympathies to the victim and their family while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating gun violence through a combination of policing, community engagement, and investment in violence prevention programs. “This senseless act of violence is a stark reminder of the challenges we face as a city,” Mayor Johnson said. “We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all Chicagoans—especially those who have come here seeking refuge—can live in safety and peace.”
In addition to law enforcement efforts, local organizations and advocacy groups have stepped up to support the victim and their family while addressing the broader issues underlying the violence. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), which has worked closely with migrant communities across the state, issued a statement condemning the shooting and calling for enhanced protections for migrants in high-crime areas. “No one should have to live in fear, least of all those who have already endured unimaginable hardship to reach our shores,” the statement read. “We call on city and state leaders to prioritize the safety of all residents, including migrants, by addressing the root causes of violence and providing adequate resources for prevention and intervention.”
The shooting has also reignited discussions about gun control and public safety in Chicago, a city that has long struggled with high rates of firearm-related crime despite strict gun laws at the local and state levels. Law enforcement officials noted that the use of a vehicle in Sunday’s attack is consistent with a troubling trend of drive-by shootings, which have increased in frequency over the past year. CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes, urging residents to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation. “We understand that people may be hesitant to speak up out of fear or mistrust, but we want to assure the public that their safety is our top priority. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be critical in bringing these perpetrators to justice,” Snelling said.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and the five suspects remain at large. Authorities have released a description of the vehicle involved—a gray sedan with possible black rims—but have not provided additional details about its license plate or distinguishing features. Detectives are urging anyone who may have seen the vehicle or witnessed the incident to contact the CPD Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8271 or submit an anonymous tip through CPD’s tip line.
For residents of the South Shore neighborhood, the shooting on 74th Street is a grim reminder of the pervasive threat of violence that continues to overshadow efforts to build a safer and more inclusive community. While many are hopeful that justice will be served and that the victim will recover from their injuries, the incident has underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the systemic issues driving violence in Chicago and beyond.
As the victim fights for their life in the hospital, their story has become a symbol of resilience and the enduring hope that safety and justice are within reach, even in the face of profound adversity. For those who knew them, the Venezuelan migrant’s journey to Chicago was a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to persevere despite overwhelming odds—a journey now marred by violence but not defined by it. Community leaders, law enforcement officials, and ordinary residents alike are rallying around the victim and their family, determined to ensure that their story does not end in tragedy and that the city’s promise of refuge and opportunity becomes a reality for all who call it home.
The investigation into the shooting remains active and ongoing, with updates expected in the coming days as authorities work to gather additional evidence and track down the suspects. Meanwhile, the South Shore community continues to grapple with the aftermath of Sunday’s violence, coming together to demand change, support one another, and reaffirm their commitment to building a safer, stronger Chicago.
