Police said more than 100 shots were fired near State Street and Grand Avenue.
CHICAGO, Ill. — A man was killed and another was wounded early Wednesday when gunmen opened fire near the Royal Sonesta Chicago River North hotel, police said.
The shooting happened about 3:20 a.m. in the 500 block of North State Street, near Grand Avenue. Chicago police said one man, 30, was struck multiple times and later died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. A 65-year-old man was shot in the foot and survived.
Police said investigators recovered at least 110 shell casings from the area. Video reviewed by ABC7 showed people getting out of a light-colored sedan with large guns and firing before driving away. Ald. Brendan Reilly said the shooting appeared to be gang-related.
A hotel employee said he heard repeated gunfire, but officials said no hotel guests or employees were involved or injured. The Royal Sonesta’s windows and facade were damaged by bullets. General Manager Kelsey Knight said the hotel was cooperating with police.
Witnesses described being jolted awake by what sounded like fireworks. Resident Cleckner said the shots lasted long enough for her to reach a window and begin recording. She said she saw several men get back into a car that sped west on Grand Avenue.
The shooting occurred in one of Chicago’s busiest downtown neighborhoods, near hotels, offices and restaurants. ABC7’s data team reported violent crime in River North was down more than 18% over the past year, even as residents raised concerns about late-night activity and empty storefronts.
No arrests had been announced by Wednesday night. Police were reviewing video, shell casings and witness statements as detectives worked to identify the gunmen and the car used in the attack.
Author note: Last updated July 2, 2026.