A night of celebration turned into a scene of panic and violence in downtown Chicago. After the Christmas tree lighting in Millennium Park, gunshots rang out near the Chicago Theater. Seven teenagers were hurt in the chaos, with injuries ranging from leg wounds to grazes on their stomachs and thighs. Some were rushed to nearby hospitals, but thankfully, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

The shooting happened right outside a news office, where staff heard the gunfire and saw people running for their lives. Video footage showed dozens of people fleeing the area, adding to the shock and confusion. But this was just the beginning of the night's troubles.

Less than an hour later, two more teenagers were shot just blocks away. One of them, an 18-year-old, didn't survive. The other was seriously hurt and taken to the hospital. The city's downtown area, usually bustling with holiday cheer, became a scene of fear and uncertainty.

This wasn't the first time such violence had erupted during a "teen takeover. " These gatherings, where large groups of minors congregate downtown, have ended in violence before. Earlier this year, a 15-year-old was grazed by a bullet, and a tourist was hit by a stray bullet during another teen gathering.

City officials have tried to address the issue. Alderman Brian Hopkins pushed for a "snap curfew" bill to give police the power to enforce curfews for minors on short notice. However, the mayor vetoed the measure, and attempts to override the veto failed. The question remains: what can be done to prevent these violent incidents from happening again?

CURFEW BILL

Downtown Chaos: A Night of Gunfire and Teen Violence

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