Vadarrion Knight, the 16-year-old boy killed outside the Grand Red Line station early Monday, died in a targeted ambush that was captured on video. The teen’s social media history shows he has a history with guns. He even claimed that he was recovering from serious gunshot wounds less than two years ago.
Ambushed
The video, which appears to be from a CPD surveillance camera, shows Knight exiting an escalator on the southeast corner of Grand and State shortly after 2 a.m. Spot News tweeted surveillance footage of the shooting Monday morning.
When he reaches street level, Knight turns to his right and seems to notice the gunman, who is hiding behind a column. Knight appears to pull something from his right coat pocket as the gunman opens fire from behind the pillar.
Knight retreats and collapses at the top of the escalator as the gunman continues to fire into his body. At least 11 muzzle flashes can be seen coming from the killer’s gun.
After the murder, the gunman runs west to State Street.
CWB Chicago reported this morning that an officer who reviewed CTA surveillance footage said the gunman entered the station’s southwest entrance, crossed the mezzanine, and then waited for the victim to arrive. He said the offender was a Black male who wore a black mask, gray winter cap, gray or black coat, black pants, and gray gym shoes.
“Here for a reason”
Knight’s active Facebook profile includes several photos of him posing with firearms, often two at a time.
In a memorial video posted by another user, Knight dances down a hallway, twirling two pistols by their extended ammunition magazines. Adults appear to be watching him perform for the camera from just a few feet away. Other Facebook users also shared images of Knight posing with guns with their remembrances Monday.
Yet Knight posted in August 2020 that he was recovering from 15 gunshot wounds.
“I’m here for a reason,” he wrote, saying two bullets struck him in the face and two others grazed his face.
“That street sh*t aint [where] its at,” Knight continued. “Take this advice in run with it.”
Many people offered Knight encouragement, including a woman who identified herself as his aunt:
“You are blessed nephew and a lot of people need to hear your story. God has big plans for you and the streets are not where you want to be. I pray that someone will take your advice and realized that they don’t want the street life and that you all need to finish school and get an education and see that you can be whatever you choose to be. I can’t wait to see you graduate from high school and college. I know God spared you for a reason and you are destined for greatness! Love you Nook!”
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